The Madison Memo
Latest News
|The Madison Memo
Latest News

Subscribe

Armyworms in Alabama: Are They Really a Menace to Lawns and Crops?

|

The Madison Memo

Armyworms in Alabama: Are They Really a Menace to Lawns and Crops?

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Armyworms in Alabama: Are They Really a Menace?

What Madison homeowners need to know about this common lawn invader.

Every late summer and early fall, lawn care conversations across Alabama include one persistent worry... armyworms. But what exactly are they, and should Madison homeowners really be concerned?

 

 

What Are Armyworms?
Armyworms are the caterpillar stage of a moth known as the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). They get their name because of their habit of moving in large “armies” across fields and lawns, devouring everything green in their path.

 

They thrive in warm, humid climates like ours. They feed on grass, crops and turf, leaving behind brown, ragged patches.


Infestations tend to spike after heavy summer rains, especially in late July through September.

 

 

How to Spot Them
Look for healthy, green grass that got scorched almost overnight or brown patches. Unlike drought stress, the damage spreads rapidly.
You'l see small green, brown or striped caterpillars crawling in groups.

 

Ever gone to bed with a lush lawn only to wake up to patches that look fried? That’s a classic armyworm signature.

 

 


Are They Really a Menace?
It depends. For homeowners... Yes, they can be frustrating, especially for anyone who prides themselves on a green lawn. But the good news? Grass usually bounces back once the worms are gone.


They’re a much bigger deal for farmers. Armyworms can devastate crops like corn, hay and soybeans, leading to real financial losses.


They’re a natural pest and outbreaks tend to come in cycles... not every year will be bad. So, while they’re more of a nuisance than a true long-term threat to your Madison lawn, farmers take them very seriously.

 

 

What You Can Do
Monitor your lawn regularly and check for caterpillars or fresh brown patches in late summer. Water and fertilize your grass so it can recover faster from armyworm stress. Insecticides are available, but many homeowners only need to treat during severe outbreaks. Finally, call a local lawn care expert... they can diagnose and treat infestations quickly.

 


In Madison, armyworms are less of a catastrophe and more of a seasonal annoyance. They can make your yard look rough for a few weeks, but with proper care, your lawn usually recovers. For farmers, the story is different... armyworms really are a menace to crops.


So the next time you hear neighbors grumbling about armyworms, you can nod knowingly... yes, they’re pesky, but not unbeatable.

The Madison Memo
Stay in the know with The Madison Memo newsletter

Community Connections

Join our Facebook Group

Register as a Local Business

Become a Community Contributor

Madison Must Haves

Weather Radio

How To Not Kill Your Houseplant

© 2025 The Madison Memo.


Community Newsletter for the residents and visitors of Madison, Alabama

© 2025 The Madison Memo.

THIS PUBLICATION SPONSORED BY