Cutworm larvae may be noticed early in the growing season or not until later in the summer when subsequent generation begin feeding. Adult Cutworm and true armyworm moths first appear between April and July, whereas fall armyworms may not be found until late July. The caterpillars usually remain hidden during the day and feed at night. A second or third generation of cutworms may emerge in the summer and early fall. Cutworm larvae stop feeding and seek concealed areas to spend the winter during mid-fall.
Cutworms feed on grass blades and cut plants off near the soil surface.
Grasses appear ragged and may turn brown from the feeding of any of these larvae. Damage is more likely to occur if the lawn borders cropland or large untended fields. Armyworms, in particular, seem to be attracted to areas of lush vegetation. Inspect lawns more frequently when vegetation in these nearby 'source zones' is destroyed, forcing the caterpillars to seek out new food. If cutworms are suspected, check the damaged areas a couple of hours after dark.