Army Worms

Description:

Armyworms are a type of caterpillar that is notorious for causing significant damage to crops and turf. They are called armyworms because they move in large groups, like an army, devouring everything in their path. These pests have a distinct striped appearance, with light-colored stripes running down the length of their bodies. They can grow up to two inches long and have a brown or gray color. Armyworms can be found in North and South America, Asia, and Africa, and there are numerous species of armyworms worldwide.

Life Cycle:

Armyworms undergo a complete metamorphosis, which means they have four distinct stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The eggs are laid by adult moths on the leaves of plants. The larvae, which are the destructive stage, hatch from the eggs and begin to feed on the foliage. They continue to feed for two to three weeks before entering the pupal stage. During the pupal stage, they develop into adult moths, which emerge from the soil or plant debris. The adult moths then mate and lay eggs, starting the cycle again.

Why They Are Pests:

Armyworms are considered pests because of the significant damage they can cause to crops and turf. They are known to feed on a wide range of plants, including corn, wheat, rice, and vegetables. Large groups of armyworms can quickly defoliate entire fields, leaving farmers with no crops to harvest. Additionally, the feeding damage they cause can lead to reduced yields, which can have a significant economic impact on farmers.

Rain doesn't really have anything to do with army worms coming out. Except creating lots of foliage and good conditions for the larvae to survive. They can defoliate the turf. OneGuard or Talstar will kill them so the mosquito treatment will kill them.