Army worms are a type of caterpillar that are commonly found in agricultural areas. They feed on crops, grass, and other vegetation, and can cause significant damage to crops if they are not treated promptly. Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to control and treat army worms.
Identifying Army Worms
The first step to treating army worms is to be able to identify them. Army worms are small caterpillars that can range in color from green to brown. They have a black stripe along their back, and have small hairs on their body. They can grow up to 1.5 inches long. Army worms can also be identified by their feeding behavior; they will eat large areas of vegetation in a short period of time.
Physical Removal
One of the easiest and most effective methods for controlling army worms is to physically remove them. This can be done by handpicking the worms from the plants or using a vacuum to suck them up. If you are handpicking the worms, be sure to wear gloves to avoid being bitten. It is also important to dispose of the worms away from the garden or field, as they can crawl back to the plants.
Cultural Control
Cultural control is a method of controlling pests without using insecticides or other chemical treatments. For army worms, cultural control involves reducing the amount of food and shelter that the worms have access to. This can be done by keeping the grass and other vegetation around the garden or field mowed and removing any debris or weeds that may provide shelter for the worms.
Biological Control
Biological control involves the use of natural predators and parasites to control pests. Several species of birds, including crows, starlings, and sparrows, feed on army worms and can help to reduce their numbers in the garden or field. In addition, several species of parasitic wasps and flies can also be used to control army worms.
Chemical Control
Chemical control involves the use of insecticides to control pests. For army worms, there are several insecticides that can be used, including carbaryl, spinosad, and bifenthrin. When using any type of insecticide, it is important to follow the label instructions carefully and only apply the product when necessary.
Prevention
The best way to control army worms is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place. This can be done by keeping the grass and other vegetation around the garden or field mowed and removing any debris or weeds that may provide shelter for the worms. In addition, it is important to inspect the plants regularly for any signs of army worms.
Conclusion
Army worms can cause significant damage to crops and other vegetation if not treated promptly. Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to control and treat army worms, including physical removal, cultural control, biological control, and chemical control. The best way to control army worms is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place by keeping the area around the garden or field free of debris and weeds.