What to Buy to Kill Army Worms: A Comprehensive Guide
Army worms, also known as fall armyworms, are a destructive pest that can cause significant damage to crops, gardens, and lawns. If you’re dealing with an army worm infestation, it’s crucial to take immediate action to control the population. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to buy to effectively kill army worms and protect your property.
1. Insecticides
The most common and effective way to kill army worms is by using insecticides. Here are some of the best options:
– Carbaryl (Sevin): This broad-spectrum insecticide is highly effective against army worms and can be used on a variety of crops and ornamental plants.
– Bifenthrin (Talstar, Taurus): Bifenthrin is another broad-spectrum insecticide that is effective against army worms and can be used on lawns, ornamental plants, and some crops.
– Thiamethoxam (Avaunt, Meridian): Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid insecticide that is highly effective against army worms and can be used on a wide range of crops and ornamental plants.
When using insecticides, always follow the label instructions carefully to ensure proper application and minimize the risk of harm to beneficial insects and the environment.
2. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)
Bt is a biological insecticide that is derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. It is highly effective against army worms and is considered a safe option for organic gardening and pest control. There are several Bt products available, including:
– BT kurstaki: This is the most commonly used Bt product for controlling army worms and can be applied to a variety of crops and ornamental plants.
– BT san diego: This Bt product is specifically formulated for controlling army worms and can be used on a wide range of crops and ornamental plants.
Bt is best applied when army worms are in the early stages of their lifecycle, as it is most effective against larvae.
3. Pheromone Traps
Pheromone traps are a non-chemical method of controlling army worms. These traps use synthetic pheromones to attract male army worms, which then mate with the females, reducing the population. Here are some popular pheromone trap options:
– DeltaGard: This trap is designed to attract and capture male army worms, helping to reduce the population.
– Blacklight traps: While not specifically designed for army worms, blacklight traps can also attract and capture male army worms, providing some level of control.
Pheromone traps are best used in conjunction with other control methods for optimal results.
4. Cultural Practices
In addition to chemical and biological control methods, cultural practices can also help reduce army worm populations. Here are some tips:
– Monitor your crops regularly: Early detection of army worm infestations can help you take timely action to control the population.
– Remove and destroy infested plants: Removing and destroying infested plants can help prevent the spread of army worms to other areas.
– Rotate crops: Rotating crops can help reduce the buildup of army worm populations in the soil.
By using a combination of these control methods, you can effectively manage army worm infestations and protect your property from damage. Remember to always follow the label instructions for any product you use, and consult with a local agricultural extension office for specific recommendations tailored to your region and situation.
