Fall Armyworms can cause sudden and severe damage to your lawn—but the good news is recovery is possible!
In this video, Dan Kruthaupt explains what Fall Armyworms are, how to identify the damage they cause, and the steps you can take to help your lawn recover.
Although typically found in southern climates, Fall Armyworms made their way into the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky areas due to migration from tropical storms. These pests can appear almost overnight, quickly chewing through grass and leaving behind large brown patches.
🌱 What You’ll Learn:
✅ What Fall Armyworms are and where they come from
✅ How to identify armyworm damage in your lawn
✅ Why they don’t usually kill the grass plant
✅ How to protect your lawn during recovery
✅ What to do if you suspect an infestation
Key Takeaways:
🐛 Fall Armyworms are surface-feeding insects that eat the grass blades (canopy)
🐛 Damage may appear very quickly, often overnight
🐛 They do not typically kill the plant, but expose it to heat stress
🐛 They cannot survive Ohio winters, so they won’t overwinter
🐛 Lawns can make a full recovery with proper care
💧 Recovery Tip: Syringing
To help your lawn recover, lightly water your lawn for a few minutes during the hottest part of the day. This helps cool the crown of the plant and prevents further stress or damage.