Fall Armyworms Emerging Ahead of Schedule
By Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren – # 9666 – Spodoptera frugiperda – Fall Armyworm Moth, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
By Frank Peairs, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org – This image is Image Number 1481171 at Insect Images, a source for entomological images operated by The Bugwood Network at the University of Georgia and the USDA Forest Service via Wikimedia Commons
Producers across the Southeast are being urged to stay vigilant as early signs of fall armyworm activity begin to surface. Dr. Lisa Baxter, Associate Professor and State Forage Specialist at the University of Georgia, shared recent developments suggesting the pest may be arriving sooner than usual. Reports are coming in not just from Georgia, but also from neighboring states—an early warning signal that growers should prepare accordingly.
This report by Dale Sandlin, Southeast AgNet:
High Heat and Delayed Harvest Fuel Conditions
“We run into the fall armyworm a bit every year,” Dr. Baxter noted, “but this year, we’ve had scattered reports throughout Georgia, and we’re starting to connect the dots.” Unusually high temperatures have contributed to the early sightings, accelerating the life cycle of the pest. Moreover, the current weather pattern—a combination of earlier drought conditions followed by significant rainfall—has made matters worse.
Drought conditions tend to suppress the natural enemies of the fall armyworm, allowing infestations to take hold more easily. Meanwhile, recent rains have delayed harvest schedules, leaving plenty of forage in the field—ideal food sources for hungry larvae.
What Producers Should Do Now
Given the circumstances, Dr. Baxter is advising most producers to go ahead and harvest now, rather than apply preventive treatments right before cutting. “There’s just too much food out there, and the timing isn’t ideal for prevention,” she explained.
For those who have already cut or are observing armyworm activity in newly harvested areas, insecticide applications may be necessary. In such cases, she strongly recommends choosing products with residual activity. “While these insecticides come at a higher upfront cost, they’re much more economical in the long run than repeated treatments with short-lived products,” she added. Some products may only last three to four days, making sustained control more difficult without a longer-lasting option.
Resources for Producers
Growers looking for chemical control recommendations can consult the Georgia Pest Control Handbook, which provides up-to-date guidance on effective insecticide options. Additionally, Dr. Baxter and her team are keeping producers informed through the Georgia Forage Facebook page, where updates are being posted every few days as the situation evolves.
Stay Alert, Stay Ahead
With early indications of fall armyworm pressure mounting in the region, taking proactive steps now can help minimize damage and protect forage crops. Keeping an eye on field conditions, acting quickly on harvesting opportunities, and using the right chemical tools when needed will be key to managing this pest in the weeks ahead.