Fall Armyworms

Fall armyworms are actually the larval stage of a moth. These small, light-colored caterpillars with dark heads will eat many types of grassy weeds and lawn grasses, including bermudagrass. They become active in late summer and early fall. They rarely kill lawns, but can do damage. Eradication with a special lawn caterpillar pesticide is most effective when used early, when the armyworms are still small and green.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Featured Creatures: Fall Armyworm

UF/IFAS Publications

• Armyworms
• Caterpillars (Sod worms, loopers, and armyworms) (PDF)
• Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
• Insect Management in the Home Garden

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Lawn Caterpillars
• Lawn Insect Pests

Other Sites

• Armyworm and Fall Armyworm--University of Maryland
• Fall Armyworm Identification--University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Fall Armyworm Management in Home Lawns--Alabama Cooperative Extension Service
• Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda--Oklahoma State University
• Fall Armyworms--University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
• Fall Armyworms Attracted to Irrigated Lawns--Mississippi State University Extension Service
• Fall Armyworms in Turf--North Carolina Cooperative Extension