If you’ve noticed mysterious brown patche s or thinning grass in your yard, you might be dealing with armyworms in Wichita. These small caterpillars are one of the fastest-spreading lawn pests in the area, especially during late summer and early fall. While tiny, they can cause devastating lawn damage. Armyworms are known for tearing through lush, green yards within days, leaving only a patchy brown mess. With the right strategies, quick action, and expert care, you can protect your lawn, prevent armyworm infestations and even bring it back to life after damage.
What are Armyworms?
Armyworms are the caterpillar stage of a moth species known for moving in large numbers like an army, devouring everything in their path. In Wichita, we often see fall armyworm outbreaks during hot, dry periods followed by rain.
- Appearance: They range from green to brown with stripes running down their bodies.
- Habits: Armyworms feed on grass blades, moving across a lawn quickly.
- Local Risk: Wichita lawns with Bermuda or Zoysia grass are especially vulnerable because these warm-season varieties are prime food for armyworms.
Unlike grubs or chinch bugs, armyworms cause rapid, visible damage that can appear almost overnight, making early detection vital for prevention.
How to Spot Armyworm Damage Early
The faster you spot armyworms in your lawn, the better your chances of saving your lawn. We recommend looking for:
- Brown patches or bare spots that seem to appear suddenly.
- Chewed grass blades that look ragged or short.
- Visible caterpillars crawling in the lawn, especially early morning or evening.
As a helpful tip, homeowners can mix a few tablespoons of dish soap into a gallon of water and pour it over a small section of your lawn. If you have armyworms, they’ll come to the surface within minutes.
How Armyworms Damage Your Lawn
Armyworms eat the tender blades of grass down to the crown, leaving bare stems or even soil exposed. Because they feed in large numbers, an infestation can strip an entire lawn in just a few days.
Why Wichita lawns are at risk:
- Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia grow well here but are top targets for armyworms.
- Late summer weather conditions in Kansas create the perfect environment for fall armyworm outbreaks.
How to Prevent Armyworm Infestations
1. Keep Your Lawn Healthy
A strong, healthy lawn is your first line of defense. Mow at the recommended height, water deeply but infrequently, and fertilize as needed.
2. Monitor During Peak Season
Check for armyworms from mid-to-late summer through early fall. August through October are peak seasons for lawn pests like armyworms.
3. Use Natural Defenses
Not all prevention has to start with chemicals. Encouraging beneficial wildlife and using organic pest control methods can help keep armyworms in check before they cause major damage.
4. Get Professional Prevention Treatments
Elite Landscape Solutions offers lawn pest control in Wichita, KS designed to stop armyworms before they spread. Our preventive treatment offers safe, effective and tailored solutions focused on local conditions.
How to Get Rid of Armyworms Quickly and Safely
Step 1: Act Immediately
If you notice armyworms in your lawn, treat the grass the same day. Female army worms can produce over 2,000 eggs during their lifetime. These eggs typically hatch within 2-3 days making it difficult to stop infestations onece they start. Waiting even 24 hours can mean more damage, and allow armyworms to spread unchecked.
Step 2: Apply the Best Armyworm Treatments
You can use over-the-counter insecticides labeled for armyworms, but professional-grade products typically work faster and last longer.
We recommend contacting a lawn care professional for specialized care. Experts can diagnose your lawn and give you the tools to appropriately and safely control armyworms without harming your lawn or family.
Step 3: Stop Reinfestation
Multiple generations can appear in one season, so follow-up treatments may be needed. However, the key to stopping reinfestation is through fall armyworm treatment and healthy lawn practices.
Focus on healthy lawn practices like routine aeration, proper watering, and fertilization. These practices not only strengthen roots but discourage armyworms from laying eggs in vulnerable areas.
Restoring Your Lawn After Armyworm Damage
- Assess the Damage – If the grass crowns are alive, your lawn can recover naturally with proper care.
- Overseed and Fertilize – Choose grass seeds suited to Wichita’s climate. Fertilize lightly to encourage new growth.
- Follow a Recovery Watering Schedule – Keep soil surface moist but not soggy to help seeds germinate and damaged areas regrow.
- Consider Resodding – If more than half your lawn is dead, resodding may be the fastest solution
When to Call Lawn Care Experts
- If the damage is widespread
- If you’ve treated the lawn but still see signs of armyworms.
- If you want to prevent future outbreaks with professional monitoring.
Our team knows Wichita’s climate, grass types, and pest patterns. We create a customized plan to keep your lawn healthy year-round.
Protect Your Wichita Lawn Through Every Season
Armyworms can devastate your yard in days, but with quick action, prevention, and expert help, you can win the battle. Elite Landscape Solutions is your local partner for lawn pest control in Wichita, KS. Stop armyworms before they take hold, schedule a free estimate on pest control today.