Armyworms emerge across the region: What to know

JACKSON, Tenn. — The early bird may be full from all the brown and green worms in the region.

The University of Tennessee West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center shared with us some information on the influx of fall armyworms.

Scientists have noticed that because of the recent rain and nearing the end of summer, these worms have made their presence known in lawns across the Hub City.

This should be a worry for Bermuda lawn grass owners and gardeners.

However, the worms are not harmful to children and pets.

In fact, dogs and cats can eat these worms.

The worms are easy to kill with insecticide that has residuals or by contacting pest control.

“Although we’re cool today and overcast, they’re going to be out feeding,” said Sebbe Brown, Field Crop Research Entomology, UT Agriculture. “More often than not during the day they are going to be kind of down deep in the facts layer or the deeper canopy of the grass. Since it’s so saturated and we have an overcast day, they are up and very easy to see.”

But as temperatures begin to drop, experts say these worms will wave their final goodbye.

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