
Armyworms might sound like some creatures from a sci-fi movie, but they’re actually real-life pests that can cause serious damage to your lawn, garden, and crops. If you’ve spotted chewed-up grass, bare patches, or sneaky little caterpillars crawling around, you might have an armyworm problem on your hands. Don’t worry, though—there are plenty of ways to get rid of them and make sure they don’t come back.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about armyworms: what they are, how to spot their damage, and—most importantly—how to get rid of them for good.
What Are Armyworms?
Armyworms are the baby (larval) stage of certain moths, like the fall armyworm and true armyworm. They march in massive groups, munching through grass, crops, and plants like a tiny invading army. That’s how they earned their name—these pests travel and feed together, leaving destruction in their wake.
Fully grown, armyworms are about 1.5 inches long and come in colors like green, brown, or even light purple. Their bodies often have unique stripes or markings, making them fairly easy to recognize. They start off as tiny eggs, usually laid in clusters on plants or grass, and it’s during their larval stage that they do the most damage, chewing up leaves and grass blades until bare spots are left behind.
They hatch during warmer months, especially summer or fall. By the time they turn into moths (in few weeks!), they’ve already done their worst—and laid eggs for the next generation to keep the cycle going.
Signs of Armyworm Damage
Spotting an armyworm infestation can be a bit tricky at first, but once you know the signs, catching them early becomes much easier. Here are the most common clues to watch out for:

- Chewed-up Grass: Armyworms love munching on grass blades, leaving jagged edges or even entire sections of grass completely gone. This is often one of the first signs of trouble.
- Bare Patches: As they chow down, armyworms can leave large, ugly bare spots in your lawn or garden. These areas may start looking brown or yellow as the grass weakens.
- Caterpillars and Larvae: Keep an eye out for caterpillars with stripes or spots—they’re likely armyworms in their damaging larval stage. Check the undersides of leaves or the ground around damaged plants to spot them.
- Moths: Adult armyworms turn into moths, and while they don’t cause damage themselves, seeing them flying around your garden could mean an infestation is nearby.
Armyworms are nighttime troublemakers, most active after dark. If you notice signs of feeding during the early morning or evening, it’s probably their handiwork.
How to Get Rid of Armyworms
Now that you can spot the signs of armyworm damage, it’s time to fight back! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of these pests, ranging from natural remedies to chemical treatments.
Natural Remedies
If you’d rather skip the harsh chemicals, don’t worry—there are plenty of natural ways to get rid of armyworms. Here are a few tried-and-true methods:

- Use Natural Predators: Birds, parasitic wasps, and helpful insects can naturally control armyworms. Plant native flowers or set up birdhouses to invite them in.
- Try Neem Oil Spray: Neem oil, made from the neem tree, is a natural and safe way to kill armyworm larvae. Mix it with water and spray directly on problem areas.
- Use Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle this natural powder on plants or soil to dry out and kill armyworms. It’s safe for your garden but tough on pests!
- Pyrethrin-Based Insecticides: Pyrethrin, made from chrysanthemums, is a natural insecticide that works great against armyworms. You can spray it directly on the grass or plants where they’re feeding.
The not-so-Natural Ways
If you’re dealing with a serious armyworm problem, chemical pesticides can do the trick. Just be careful—these should be used wisely to avoid harming helpful insects or other wildlife in your garden.
If natural methods aren’t cutting it, stronger synthetic insecticides might be needed. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use them only when necessary to protect your garden.
A more Direct Approach
Sometimes, the best solution for armyworms is a bit of hands-on effort. So you can try these:
- Handpicking: If you have a small lawn or garden, you can pick armyworms off the plants by hand. This works best when the infestation is still small and the worms are easy to spot.
- Pheromone Traps: Pheromone traps use scents that mimic the female moth’s mating call to attract male armyworms. By trapping them, these devices stop armyworms from reproducing, helping prevent future infestations.
How to Prevent Armyworms
Once you are done with the infestation, you want to keep armyworms away for good. The most important thing you can do is to keep your Lawn in good shape.
Maintaining a Healthy Lawn
A healthy lawn is much less likely to attract armyworms. To keep your grass strong and resilient, focus on watering and lawn mowing. Water your lawn deeply but less often to grow strong, healthy roots—shallow, frequent watering just weakens your grass and invites pests like armyworms. Keep your grass mowed to the right height and fertilize regularly. A thick, healthy lawn is your best defense against these pesky invaders!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you control armyworms naturally?
You can get rid of armyworms naturally by attracting helpful creatures like birds or insects, spraying neem oil, or using diatomaceous earth to stop them without chemicals. These methods are safe and effective for your lawn or garden.
Do army worms go away on their own?
Armyworms won’t just leave—they’ll keep eating and spreading if you don’t stop them. Taking action is the only way to protect your plants.
What time of year are armyworms most active?
Armyworms are busiest in late spring and late fall when they eat the most and lay eggs, but they can appear anytime the weather is warm enough.