Fall armyworm will also feed on developing soybean pods. Moths migrate into Georgia and infestations appear in July. Eggs are laid in masses of 50 to several hundred and are covered by fuzzy scales from the female moth. Upon hatching, larvae disperse in search of a suitable feeding site. Larvae feed 2 to 3 weeks and then pupate in the soil.
Several generations occur each year.
Early planting of corn is the most effective management option for fall armyworm. In cotton control of this pest with insecticides is very difficult due to the proximity of damaging populations. Coverage and penetration of the crop canopy is a must. Unfortunately, larvae of this size are very difficult to control with insecticides. However, as larvae age they become easier to correctly identify.