Moonlight Madness specials begin Saturday at noon!
Hello, again!
Who remembers using dial up phones, church keys (beverage can openers), pagers, Palm Pilots or even bag phones? Or, who remembers the outbreak of fall armyworms in August of 2000? This army of crawling worms invaded our lawns overnight, consuming every leaf blade in their path. I remember the phone ringing constantly that first morning at the store as everyone wanted to know what was going on. We were bringing in any control we could get our hands on, including Diazinon, Dursban, and Permethrin. It didn't matter, liquid or granular; we needed more of what worked.
Fall armyworms are making an early and aggressive appearance in Kansas earlier this summer, catching many homeowners off guard. These destructive pests can quickly decimate lawns, landscape and vegetable gardens if not treated promptly. Understanding their life cycle, the damage they cause, and effective control options can help prevent widespread destruction.
Fall armyworms are the larval stage of a moth (Spodoptera frugiperda), not true worms. The adult moths fly up from the south each summer, often arriving in Kansas in mid- to late-summer - but this year, they’ve appeared earlier due to favorable conditions. The larvae, which look like striped caterpillars with an inverted “Y” on their heads, are the real problem. They can be green, brown or black and grow up to 1.5 inches long.
Fall armyworms feed primarily on grass blades, but they’re not picky. They attack fescue, bluegrass, bermudagrass, ryegrass and zoysia lawns, as well as other plants. Damage often begins subtly - thinned patches, ragged blades, or brown areas - but can escalate fast. A heavy infestation can strip a lawn bare almost overnight, giving the appearance of drought damage. Look for active feeding in the early morning or late afternoon.
If you suspect them, part the grass and look for the larvae crawling just below the thatch. Early intervention is key. Here are three effective control options we offer today at the garden center:
ferti-lome Spinosad: This natural-based insecticide (derived from a soil bacterium) is effective against armyworms while being gentle on beneficial insects when used correctly. It works by causing paralysis after ingestion. Apply as soon as larvae are spotted; repeat in 5–7 days if needed.
Hi-Yield Bug Blaster Lambda-Cyhalothrin Ready-to-Spray (RTS): Convenient and fast-acting, Bug Blaster is a synthetic pyrethroid that provides quick knockdown of armyworms. It connects directly to a garden hose for easy, even application. Ideal for covering large areas like lawns or pastures.
Hi-Yield Turf Ranger II (Granular): This is a great preventative measure. Applied to the lawn and watered in, Turf Ranger offers residual control by killing newly hatched larvae before they can do serious damage. It’s ideal for ongoing protection through the peak of armyworm season.
Monitor your lawn closely, especially if you’ve had fall armyworm outbreaks in past years or if you live near fields or golf courses. Keep grass mowed and healthy. With vigilance and timely treatment using the right products, you can keep fall armyworms from turning your lawn into a buffet.
For more help, come into the stores. We have the products, advice and timing information for safe and effective control options.
Be sure to stop by this Saturday afternoon and evening (noon to midnight) for our one-day Moonlight Madness Sale. With savings all around, it’s a not-to-miss yearly event at the stores.
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
