--- title: Return of the Fall Armyworm description: Fall armyworm infestations are increasingly affecting the Southeast, causing notable turf damage. Early detection and control measures are essential to prevent severe damage. Ewing provides guidance on using specific insecticides and proper irrigation techniques. image: https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/fall%20armyworm-1.png --- ### Resources [![Ewing Outdoor Supply Logo V 4 Color](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Ewing%20Outdoor%20Supply%20Logo%20V%204%20Color.png) ](https://www.ewingoutdoorsupply.com/) [![Login/Register](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20200354/5d045e9a-574a-4a92-a8cc-1ce2a4352784.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20200354/5d045e9a-574a-4a92-a8cc-1ce2a4352784) 0 You have no items in your shopping cart ### Shop Products Shop Products # Irrigation & Landscape supply Blog # Return of the Fall Armyworm [Kevin Lewis](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/author/kevin-lewis) on August 22, 2024 Share - [**](https://twitter.com/share?source=https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/return-of-the-fall-armyworm&text=Return%20of%20the%20Fall%20Armyworm%20-%20https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/return-of-the-fall-armyworm) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/return-of-the-fall-armyworm&title=Return%20of%20the%20Fall%20Armyworm&picture=https://20200354.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20200354/fall%20armyworm-1.png&description=Fall%20armyworm%20infestations%20are%20increasingly%20affecting%20the%20Southeast,%20causing%20notable%20turf%20damage.%20Early%20detection%20and%20control%20measures%20are%20essential%20to%20prevent%20severe%20damage.%20Ewing%20provides%20guidance%20on%20using%20specific%20insecticides%20and%20proper%20irrigation%20techniques.) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/return-of-the-fall-armyworm&title=Return%20of%20the%20Fall%20Armyworm&summary=Fall%20armyworm%20infestations%20are%20increasingly%20affecting%20the%20Southeast,%20causing%20notable%20turf%20damage.%20Early%20detection%20and%20control%20measures%20are%20essential%20to%20prevent%20severe%20damage.%20Ewing%20provides%20guidance%20on%20using%20specific%20insecticides%20and%20proper%20irrigation%20techniques.) - [**](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/return-of-the-fall-armyworm) ![](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/fall%20armyworm-1.png) I have been hearing more reports about fall armyworm (FAW) sightings this summer than in the last few years. There have been positively identified worms throughout the Southeast. It is time to be vigilant and track areas of turf that turn brown overnight. ![A backyard with damaged grass (Photo credit Kevin Lewis, Ewing Outdoor Supply-1](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/A%20backyard%20with%20damaged%20grass%20\(Photo%20credit%20Kevin%20Lewis%2c%20Ewing%20Outdoor%20Supply-1.png?width=443&height=389&name=A%20backyard%20with%20damaged%20grass%20\(Photo%20credit%20Kevin%20Lewis%2c%20Ewing%20Outdoor%20Supply-1.png)The upside is that if you run into an infestation, all is not lost. There are a couple of critical steps to be taken early on to prevent complete devastation. First confirm the presence of FAW with a soap flush. It is best to do this on the edges or transition area between the damaged areas and the unaffected. If you do not remember how to perform the soap test click here - [Soap Flush Test](https://ncturfbugs.wordpress.ncsu.edu/homepage/monitoring-for-turfgrass-insects-2/below-ground-insects/soap-water-flush-v-2/#:~:text=Fill%20a%20container%20with%201%2cfurther%20to%20minimize%20turfgrass%20stress). They will feed on most grasses, with Bermudagrass being one of their favorites.   Stop the March! Contact insecticides, particularly synthetic pyrethroids, are highly active on FAW if applied properly. These include [Talstar](https://www.ewingoutdoorsupply.com/catalog/search?q=Talstar), [Bifen](https://www.ewingoutdoorsupply.com/catalog/search?q=Bifen) and many others but there are some keys to success: - - You must use a spray formulation, granular materials will yield little control - Apply late in the afternoon or early in the evening and hold irrigation for one night. These invaders are night feeders! - Wait 24 hours then keep the affected areas irrigated and do not allow them to dry. - Plan a fertilizer application with at least 50% slow-release nitrogen, not stabilized nitrogen                                                   Once the feeding is stopped the turf should respond provided the steps above are followed.   Lean on Us for Turf & Ornamental Solutions Contact [**Ewing’s Tech Team**](https://www.ewingoutdoorsupply.com/turf-products), if you have any questions and for more information on grub control and other turf questions. Email Kevin Lewis at [**klewis@ewingos.com**](mailto:klewis@ewingos.com) or call/text **480-669-8791**. We are happy to help.   TAGS: [Turf Management](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/turf-management), [Pest Control](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/pest-control), [Southeast](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/southeast), [Early Detection](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/early-detection), [insecticides](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/insecticides), [synthetic pyrethroids](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/synthetic-pyrethroids), [irrigation techniques](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/irrigation-techniques), [Fall Armyworm](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/fall-armyworm), [Ewing’s Tech Team](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/ewings-tech-team) ### Looking for More? ### Topics - [Turf Management (55)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/turf-management) - [Maintaining Turf (42)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/maintaining-turf) - [turf solutions (31)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/turf-solutions) - [turf tips (24)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/turf-tips) - [Weed Control (18)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/weed-control) - [Killing Weeds (16)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/killing-weeds) - [Pest Control (11)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/pest-control) - [Pre-Emergent Herbicide (11)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/pre-emergent-herbicide) - [turf maintenance (10)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/turf-maintenance) - [Drought (5)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/drought) - [Drought Stress (5)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/drought-stress) - [Pests (5)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/pests) - [Turf Damage (5)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/turf-damage) - [Business Practices (4)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/business-practices) - [Fertilizer (4)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/fertilizer) - [plant care (4)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/plant-care) - [EMPRO (3)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/empro) - [Fall Turf Renovation (3)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/fall-turf-renovation) - [Landscape Services (3)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/landscape-services) - [Post-Emergent Herbicide (3)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/tag/post-emergent-herbicide) ## Related [ Managing Localized Dry Spot with Smarter Moisture Solutions ](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/managing-localized-dry-spot-with-smarter-moisturesolutions) By [Kevin Lewis](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/author/kevin-lewis) On July 7, 2026 [ Managing Sports Fields with Smart Irrigation Technology ](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/managing-sports-fields-with-smart-irrigation-technology) By [Ian Yarian](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/author/ian-yarian) On July 2, 2026 [ Smart Irrigation Starts with the Controller ](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/smart-irrigation-starts-with-the-controller) By [Greg Williams](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/author/greg-williams) On June 30, 2026 ## Related ## [What To Do About Drought Stress Now and How to Prepare in the Future](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/what-to-do-about-drought-stress-now-and-how-to-prepare-in-the-future) By [Kevin Lewis](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/author/kevin-lewis) On August 8, 2024 ## [How to Spot and Stop the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/how-to-spot-and-stop-the-invasive-spotted-lanternfly) By [Kevin Lewis](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/author/kevin-lewis) On November 9, 2023 ## [It’s Time to Take Action on Compaction](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/its-time-to-take-action-on-compaction) By [Kevin Lewis](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/author/kevin-lewis) On October 5, 2023 ### Subscribe via Email Enter your email to get special offers, exclusive discounts, and more! [![Subscribe](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20200354/88ccb08c-3300-4e9a-b7b8-69d093daaa55.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20200354/88ccb08c-3300-4e9a-b7b8-69d093daaa55) ### Company ### Resources ### Help ### Sign up for our Newsletter Enter your email to get special offers, exclusive discounts, and more! [![Sign up](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20200354/c28dc24c-bf78-40c0-817f-c1e966c7b2b9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20200354/c28dc24c-bf78-40c0-817f-c1e966c7b2b9) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/EwingOutdoorSupply) - [**](https://twitter.com/EwingOutdoor) - [**](https://www.instagram.com/ewingoutdoor/) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ewingoutdoorsupply/) - [**](https://www.youtube.com/@ewingoutdoorsupply) © 2025 - Ewing Irrigation Products, Inc. All Rights Reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kevin Lewis", "url" : "https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/author/kevin-lewis" }, "dateModified" : "2024-08-22T15:48:12.148Z", "datePublished" : "2024-08-22T15:48:12.000Z", "headline" : "Return of the Fall Armyworm", "image" : [ "https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/fall%20armyworm-1.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turf-and-ornamental-tech-tips/return-of-the-fall-armyworm", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Ewing%20Outdoor%20Supply%20Logo%20V%204%20Color-1.png" }, "name" : "Ewing Outdoor Supply" } } ```