It is time to start scouting
28 July, 2026,
While I was at K.B.Sutton Elementary School open house talking to students about the upcoming school year and 4H programs, I received a picture via text. It was blurry, but it appeared to be a zip lock bag with a little plant material and 3 worms. The worms had 2 stripes running the length of their body. This morning I was able to get some really good pictures of the first reported armyworms in Monroe County for 2026. A few armyworms are in the environment are normal. Armyworms travel northward and arrive in middle Georgia in the fall. Armyworms can consume a large amount of plant material. Scout your gardens, pastures, and hayfields, and if you find armyworms go ahead and crush them on site. If you happen to find higher numbers of individuals you may want to consider using insecticide control measures. Contact the Extension office if you have questions.
Y’all Be Safe
