Armyworms are green-striped caterpillars that will turn into moths when they mature. The caterpillar is given the name armyworm (meaning army caterpillar) because these insects travel in small armies, which will prey on anything in their path. In addition to eating grass, caterpillars also eat corn, peas, beets, flax, clover, millet, and other grains. You can take specific steps to deal with caterpillar infestations in lawns or fields. In addition, there are several natural ways to prevent this caterpillar attack.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Dealing with Crawling Caterpillars in the Lawn
Step 1. Look for early signs
These caterpillars feed at night so you might have a hard time seeing them. A common early sign is the presence of brown spots on the lawn. Another sign indicating its presence is the increasing number of birds in the yard. The earlier the problem is treated, the easier it will be for you to control the caterpillar. It can also minimize damage to the lawn.
Step 2. Cut the grass
The best way to prevent the presence of caterpillars is to cut the grass short. Try to trim the grass shorter than usual, and keep it tidy.
Step 3. Water the grass
Caterpillars will leave the lawn when watered, especially if you do it right after cutting. Water the lawn regularly, and don't forget to water it immediately after mowing.
Step 4. Use insecticide
Spraying a liquid insecticide on the grass is a very effective way to get rid of caterpillars. Insecticides in granular form are usually less effective at eradicating these caterpillars. Use a liquid insecticide, and follow the directions given by the manufacturer (because each product has different instructions).
Step 5. Leave the lawn for 3 days
After the lawn has been sprayed with a liquid insecticide, do not mow and water it for at least 3 days. This is to give the insecticide time to work properly.
Method 2 of 3: Controlling Caterpillars in the Field
Step 1. Look for signs of caterpillars and/or their droppings
Check the underside of the plant for caterpillars and/or signs of droppings. You may also find caterpillar larvae hiding under plant debris. On barley or wheat, you may find these caterpillars between the grains.
- Newly hatched caterpillars may not have any specific markings, but mature caterpillars will turn brown with yellow stripes, or green with light streaks.
- Caterpillar droppings are similar to black pepper.
Step 2. Cut the straw
If your field has been infested with caterpillars, the first thing to do is to cut them. If the straw is dry, the caterpillar will no longer be interested in eating it and will move to another place.
Step 3. Use insecticide
Apply insecticide to the fields, either by planting or spraying. The following types of insecticides have been shown to be effective for controlling caterpillars:
- Asana XL should only be used on corn plants and should not be used within 21 days before harvest.
- Permethrin should only be used on corn and should not be used within 30 days before harvest.
- Carbaryl (Sevin) can be applied to wheat or corn. Do not use more than twice and do not give within 21 days before harvest.
- Ethyl is excellent for use on sorghum, maize, and all crops that produce small grains, but can only be applied by spray. Do not spray ethyl within 12 days before harvesting sorghum or corn, and 15 days before harvesting crops that produce small grains. After applying the ethyl, post a notice that your field has just been sprayed, and avoid the area for 3 days.
- Lorsban can be applied to sorghum and maize. Keep livestock away from farmed areas for at least 15 days after administering lorsban. Do not feed livestock that produce meat and milk with grain that has been sprayed by Lorsban before 35 days have elapsed.
- Lannate or Malathion can be used on all plants. Do not spray this insecticide within seven days before harvest and avoid field areas for 2 days after spraying.
- Methyl should only be applied to corn and crops that produce small grains by spraying. Do not apply this ingredient within 12 days of harvesting corn, or 15 days of harvesting small grains. Post a notice in the field, and avoid the area for 2 days.
- Warriors can be used in sorghum, corn, or wheat fields. Do not apply this ingredient within 20 days of harvesting corn, or 30 days of harvesting wheat or sorghum.
Method 3 of 3: Getting Rid of Caterpillars Without Pesticides
Step 1. Check for the presence of moths
For this natural method to be effective, you must deal with the caterpillar infestation early. Monitor for the presence of moths, and/or any damage to plants.
- The forewings of the caterpillar moth are gray with white spots.
- You can catch moths by setting a pheromone trap. This allows you to better observe the traits.
Step 2. Remove the trichogramma wasp
If you're having trouble with caterpillars, try bringing in a trichogramma wasp. These wasps are parasitic and will eventually kill the caterpillar eggs.
These wasps can be purchased at garden supply stores or online
Step 3. Attract beneficial birds and insects
Unfortunately, the use of insecticides and pesticides can kill both caterpillars and beneficial insects at the same time. Try attracting insects and birds so that the caterpillar population can be controlled naturally. You can do this by avoiding the use of pesticides/insecticides and planting wildflowers.
Koksi beetle and lacewing (a type of butterfly with transparent wings) are beneficial insects
Step 4. Turn the soil over at night
Every day, before nightfall, turn the soil over with a small shovel so that the caterpillar larvae emerge on the surface of the soil. In this way, birds can prey on larvae, which are usually in hidden places.
Step 5. Release beneficial nematodes into the soil
Beneficial nematodes are tiny soil animals that gnaw at a variety of pests, including caterpillars. Don't worry, these beneficial nematodes are harmless to vertebrate animals, plants, honey bees or earthworms.
Step 6. Use neem oil
If the caterpillars still don't go away even though you've brought in the beneficial insects, try a spray of neem oil. Spray neem oil on the plant so that it covers the stems and the underside of the leaves. Do not water the plant for at least 1 to 2 days after spraying.
- Neem oil can kill caterpillars at any stage of development (from larvae to moths).
- In addition, neem oil also acts as an antifungal.
Tips
- Usually there are 2 to 3 generations of caterpillars each year.
- The first generation usually causes the most damage to plants because the weather conditions are very suitable. In addition, the plant size is still small and the condition is more vulnerable if attacked by caterpillars.
