Watch out for an armyworm invasion next fall
All Things Landscape workshop set for Oct. 22.
A few weeks ago I wrote about fall armyworms and their devastation of lawns. I have been hearing from colleagues that we should be on the lookout for a possible next generation.
A turf expert in the Columbus area mentioned to me that he is seeing early instars of this caterpillar. This means that they are quite small and their feeding damage is not noticeable.
It also means that if you experienced the first wave, you might want to be scouting for this next generation. And if you live near someone who had lawn problems due to fall armyworm, you may also want to be on the lookout.
The last time we had damage to lawns from this pest was in September. The last instar caterpillars that caused the damage have since pupated and emerged as adult moths. These adult moths laid their eggs.
These eggs hatched and the tiny caterpillars started the feeding process again. In the meantime, we did not have low enough night temperatures to kill this next generation. Therefore, the warning to be looking for them again.
To scout, check the turfgrass in the early morning when it’s cool. Take a close look at the leaf blades for the tiny caterpillars.
An easier method is to take a gallon of water and add a tablespoon of dish soap and pour on a small area of turf. If the caterpillars are present, they will soon come to the surface.
If you find the caterpillars, you might want to treat in order to prevent major lawn damage. If you had damage from previous generations, hopefully you watered and encouraged recovery. The last thing you want is another defoliation of the lawn.
Hopefully this should be the last generation that we see in Ohio this season. They don’t overwinter in Ohio because of low temperatures.
Remember, they first came to Ohio hitching a ride on a thunderstorm that came from the south.
On another note, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 the Ohio State University Extension in Clark County will be hosting the All Things Landscape workshop in Springfield.
We have a great lineup of topics and speakers who will focus on landscaping for nature, attracting pollinators to the landscape, as well as trees for the landscape. I will be doing a presentation on the top performing annuals based on the results of cultivar trials at the Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens in Columbus and Snyder Park Gardens and Arboretum and Springfield.
The cost for the day is $40 and includes donuts and coffee in the morning and lunswch. Registration and complete details will be available at go.osu.edu/allthingslandscape on Monday, Oct. 11.