Fall armyworms are moth larvae that feed on grassy crops and forage.
An infestation in 1998 which damaged forage in East Texas has producers worried about the recent increase in armyworm populations. Dr. James Robinson, Extension entomologist in Overton, said armyworms are a problem mainly on highly fertilized hay. Robinson recommends producers use an insecticide or try to cut and bale hay before the armyworms can eat it. Producers probably don't need to worry about another outbreak as severe as the one in 1998, Robinson said. Adequate rains in East Texas have encouraged forage growth, providing enough forage to tolerate armyworm damage.