(Photo by Marilin Rice)
(West Plains) – Officials with the University of Missouri Extension office in West Plains say fall armyworms have been found in extreme numbers in the area, including in scout pastures and crop fields, which can can cause problems.
Fall armyworms get their name from their eating habits, and can decimate crops if left uncleared.
Officials say that scouting for armyworms is best done in the early morning hours, in the late evening, or on cloudy days because newly hatched larvae avoid light. People should search for small larvae on the ground and for feeding damage on lower plant foliage.
If there are 4 or more fall armyworms per square foot, control is necessary to prevent economic loss. The affected areas can be grazed, hayed, rolled, or sprayed to remove the pest.
For more information on control options for fall armyworm contact MU Extension Regional Agronomy Specialist Sarah Kenyon at 417-778-7490.