Armyworms In OKC - Pest Control OKC

Armyworms In OKC Are On The Move!

No one likes to see Armyworms in OKC!

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a species in the order of Lepidoptera and is the larval life stage of a fall armyworm moth. The term “armyworm” can refer to several species, often describing the large-scale invasive behavior of the species’ larval stage. It is regarded as a pest and can damage and destroy a wide variety of crops, which causes large economic damage. Its scientific name derives from frugiperda, which is Latin for lost fruit, named because of the species’ ability to destroy crops. Because of its propensity for destruction, the fall armyworm’s habits and possibilities for crop protection have been studied in depth. It is also a notable case for studying sympatric speciation, as it appears to be diverging into two species currently. Another remarkable trait of the larva is that they practice cannibalism.

The fall armyworm is active at a different time of year than the true armyworm, another species in the order Lepidoptera and family Noctuidae, but of the genus Mythimna. Outbreaks of the true armyworm usually occur during the early part of the summer; the fall armyworm does most damage in the late summer in the southern part of the United States, and early fall in the northern regions.

Because of their food preferences, fall armyworm larvae can wreak havoc on a wide range of crops. The first historical account of the fall armyworm’s destruction was in 1797 in Georgia. Destruction can happen almost over night, because the first stages of a caterpillar’s life require very little food, and the later stages require about 50 times more. Because of this rapid change in food consumption, the presence of larva will not be noticed until they have destroyed almost everything in as little as a night. Some examples of targeted crops include cotton, tobacco, sweet corn, rice, peanuts, and even fruits such as apples, oranges, and many more. The list of possible food sources for the worms is extensive, so crop damage is wide-ranging. It is estimated that almost 40% of those species that armyworms target are economically important. Because the larva eat so much of the plant, they are very detrimental to crop survival and yield. In corn, larvae will even burrow into the corn ear to eat the kernels.

Typically armyworms will gravitate to larger food sources like crops, but they will go anywhere to find food. That means your backyard garden is at risk if you see these guys around. The larva can eat through an entire garden overnight since they lay about 1,500 eggs at a time! If you see these guys around be sure to give us a call!

Want to find other ways to protect your garden from unwanted pests? Read here!

To learn more about the fall armyworm click here.

Webworms- Pest Control OKC

Pest Control OKC Team Shares About Fall Webworms

Pest Control OKC: When Webworms Take Over

For many people, webworms are something they have seen plenty of times before. Fall webworms typically would spin their nests from April to September in Oklahoma, but the crazy weather could be a reason people would still see evidence of web worms in October. Today, our pest control OKC team shares a bit more about fall webworms.

It the past horticulture experts have stated that due to milder winters and very wet springs the webworm population has been able to grow. These conditions are much like what Oklahoma’s own weather patterns have been like in the last year. Thus, it is no shock to our pest control OKC team and should be no surprise to you that the eye sore of these sticky nests are appearing.

What our pest control OKC team can tell you for certain is that the nests for webworms is actually a barrier of protection for them. The nests keep the worms from being eaten by wasps, birds, or other predators. The worms attach to trees for food, but the damage to the trees isn’t a big problem. The mess they make is more of a concern to most homeowners.

When the fall webworms hatch, in a butterfly-like fashion these webworms will become moths. For the fall this may not be an issue, but come next May the female, adult moths can lay 400 to 500 eggs! Within only 7 days of eggs being laid, larvae begin to spin their web and the process starts all over.

If you would like to know more about insecticide for treating the areas where webworms reside, please feel free to contact our pest control OKC team. We will be able to guide you to the perfect solution.

For all of your fall pest control needs, The Bug Guy can be reached at 405-973-5522.