HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — An outbreak of armyworms is impacting the lawns of many people who live in Huntsville.
"It's my understanding that this is one of the biggest outbreaks in several years [in Huntsville]," said Bennett Nurseries Owner Jeff Bennett.
Bennett says these armyworms feed on grass, which can kill lawns.
What are armyworms?
Huntsville's Operation Green Team says that armyworms are a form of moth that can be very destructive.
How to get rid of armyworms
"If you’ve spent your weekends mowing the lawn and doting over it with fertilizer and disease control, or, especially if you’ve paid a lawn service to make it look beautiful, your beautiful lawn can turn not beautiful in a matter of a half a day, or at least over the course of several days," said Bennett.
If you're dealing with an infestation of armyworms in your lawn, Bennett says you'll need to treat the lawn with some form of insecticide.
"There are organic insecticides that you can use, which are somewhat natural, yet they may take just a little bit longer to work, or you can use a synthetic chemical, which can be either immediate or long-lasting depending on which one you choose," said Bennett.
Bennett emphasized that these worms are typically present every year, just not to the same scale we are currently seeing. He says armyworms are typically seen in late summer and in the fall.
How to kill armyworms
Huntsville's Operation Green Team says that grubs and armyworms can cause damage at the root level in your yard. Armyworms, which are a form of moth, can be very destructive, possibly destroying a whole lawn in a matter of days. In addition to applying soapy water on top of grass, you can use chemicals to control and eliminate armyworms. Water and nourish the lawn, especially during times of drought.
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