Pest Expert Overview: Army Worms in Bryan & College Station
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. Typically they are a pest that occurs in the turf during late summer and early fall.
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.
Why are they 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.
Professional Army Worm Control
If you are dealing with an infestation of Army Worms, Venus Pest Company can help. Founded by Aggie Entomologist Dr. Scott Lingren, we provide expert, eco-friendly Integrated Pest Management solutions in Bryan and College Station. To get started, fill out the contact form, call/text 979.774.0486 or email [email protected]. Don’t let nuisance pests take over your home!
