Armyworms should be controlled when they occur in large numbers or the damage caused by them is becoming excessive. Treat your lawn with a lawn insect and pest control product when leaf damage is noticed or large numbers of caterpillars are seen.

Are armyworms beneficial?

These microscopic soil creatures feed on the eggs, pupae, and larvae of some 200 pests. They will not harm vertebrates, whether human or amphibians, will not harm plants, honey bees or earthworms and won't threaten beneficial insects who, like the trichogramma wasp, lay eggs in something, not just anywhere in the dirt.

Are armyworms bad?

Armyworms can be a problem in orchards where weeds and ground covers provide a haven for early worm development. This overgrowth of vegetation provides access to the trunk and lower branches of fruit trees, where most of the damage occurs.