Armyworm Alert: These Lawn Invaders Destroy Your Grass – And What You Can Do About It

Armyworm Alert: These Lawn Invaders Destroy Your Grass – And What You Can Do About It

If your once-green lawn is suddenly turning brown and patchy almost overnight, you might be dealing with a serious pest: fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda). These tiny invaders can cause massive damage in a very short time — and Kansas lawns are right in their path.

What Are Armyworms?

Armyworms are the larvae of a moth that migrates north in waves each summer. The term "armyworm" comes from their behavior — they move in large groups, devouring everything in their path like an advancing army. They’re especially active in late summer and early fall.

These caterpillars feed on grass blades, leaving behind a scorched, chewed-up lawn. In just a day or two, they can destroy large sections of turf, especially when conditions are warm and moist.

How to Spot Armyworm Damage

According to the K-State Extension Office in Sedgwick County, here are the signs of an armyworm infestation:

  • Grass that appears ragged or chewed

  • Brown patches that seem to spread quickly

  • Increased bird activity (they feed on armyworms)

  • Armyworms visible in the thatch, especially early morning or evening

They tend to prefer Bermuda, fescue, and rye grasses — all common in Kansas lawns.

On June 11th, K-State Extension Office and KAKE News reported on lawns in Wichita infested by armyworms. Some reports online say that homeowners in South Wichita and Derby have also spotted armyworms.

What You Can Do

If you suspect armyworms, act fast. Once they're mature, they stop feeding and pupate, so timing is everything.

👇 Here’s how Woodard Mercantile can help:

We offer a variety of insecticides and lawn treatments designed to eliminate armyworms before they cause more damage. Products containing bifenthrin, carbaryl, or permethrin are especially effective.

Our staff can help you identify the best product and recommend how and when to apply it for maximum protection.


Don’t wait until it’s too late. Stop by Woodard Mercantile in Maize, Andover, or Eureka today — or give us a call — and we’ll help you fight back against armyworms before they take over your lawn.

📍 Locally owned. Knowledgeable staff. Real solutions.


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