When Are Fall Armyworms a Problem in Atlanta?
Fall armyworms show up in Georgia every summer. They can’t survive our winters, but they're active and destructive from July until the first frost. If your lawn suddenly starts looking rough in late summer or early fall, armyworms could be the culprit.
Why Armyworms Are So Destructive
Fall armyworms aren’t worms at all; they’re caterpillars. Large groups of these pests “march” across lawns, chewing through grass blades as they go. They feed aggressively, and in Atlanta’s hot, humid climate, they can turn a lush green yard into brown stubble in just a couple of days.
Why They Love New Sod
Got new sod? Watch out. Armyworms love it because it’s soft, tender, and well-watered, basically a perfect meal. Homeowners often think the sod brought the pests in, but in most cases, armyworms were already in the yard and just couldn’t resist the fresh grass.
Signs You May Have Armyworms
Here’s what to look for in your Atlanta lawn:
- Brown or dead patches that seem to spread quickly
- A sudden flock of birds feeding in your yard often means insects are present
- Visible caterpillars that are green, brown, or black with stripes and an inverted “Y” on their heads
- Damage that moves across the lawn, rather than appearing everywhere at once
How Fast Can They Damage My Lawn?
Very fast. A severe armyworm infestation in Georgia’s warm climate can devastate a lawn in 24 to 48 hours. Quick action is critical.
Can Homeowners Control Armyworms on Their Own?
There are products available, but timing and application matter. Many DIY attempts fail due to these reasons:
- Using too little product
- Applying at the wrong time of day
- Skipping follow-up treatments
This often allows the armyworm cycle to continue.
Why Professional Treatment Works Best
At got lawn? Tree & Turf Care, we offer preventative and curative armyworm control services in Cumming, Alpharetta, and throughout metro Atlanta. Our goal is to prevent these destructive pests from damaging our customers' lawns or, if it’s too late, use appropriate treatment to knock them out fast! More effective than DIY, our solutions are the best choice in the battle against armyworms.
Armyworm Prevention Tips for Atlanta Homeowners
- Inspect your lawn regularly from July through the first frost.
- Act fast at the first sign of damage.
- For guaranteed protection, schedule preventative treatments with a trusted lawn care company like got lawn?
Lawn Recovery After an Armyworm Infestation
Here’s the good news: In most cases, warm-season grasses common in Atlanta (like bermudagrass and zoysia) will recover because armyworms only eat the blades, not the stolons and rhizomes below the surface. With proper care, your turf can bounce back.
Cool-season grasses like tall fescue are more vulnerable to lasting damage. Severe infestations may require overseeding—or even re-sodding—especially since fescue can go from healthy to destroyed in 24–48 hours.
Don’t Let Armyworms Ruin Your Lawn
Fall armyworms may be seasonal visitors, but their damage is anything but temporary. If you suspect armyworms or just want peace of mind, contact got lawn? today for a comprehensive inspection and treatment plan.
