Armyworms in Oklahoma City? How to Protect Your Lawn from Infestation
Lawn owners in Oklahoma City are seeing a major uptick in armyworm infestations and will continue to see this trend especially in late summer and early fall. These fast-moving caterpillars can destroy a healthy lawn in as little as 24 to 48 hours. If your yard suddenly turns brown or bare, it’s time to investigate.
Here’s what Oklahoma City homeowners need to know about armyworm damage, how to spot the signs, and when to call in the pros.
What Are Armyworms?
Despite the name, armyworms are not true worms. They're actually the caterpillar stage of a moth, most commonly the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Oklahoma. These caterpillars are 1–1.5 inches long with green, tan, or brown bodies and a dark head marked with a pale inverted “Y.”
Armyworms migrate into Oklahoma each summer from southern states like Texas and Florida. Once they arrive, the warm and humid OKC climate gives them ideal conditions to thrive — and multiple generations can hatch through October.
Why Armyworms Are a Problem in OKC Lawns
Oklahoma City’s turf types and weather make it especially vulnerable. Armyworms feed on a wide variety of grasses, including:
- Bermuda
- Zoysia
- Fescue
- Ryegrass
Unfortunately, these are the exact types of grass found in most OKC residential lawns. In recent years, lawn care professionals across Edmond, Moore, Norman, and Yukon have reported massive surges in armyworm activity. These outbreaks tend to happen every 3 to 5 years, and they come on fast.
Signs of Armyworm Infestation
Armyworms feed primarily at night or during the early morning and late evening. Here’s what to look for:
- Sudden browning patches in your lawn
- "Windowpane" damage – clear or translucent patches where the leaf surface is chewed
- Caterpillars crawling on your sidewalk or driveway
- Increased bird activity (birds feed on the worms)
- Thin or chewed leaf blades, especially after rainfall or mowing
Pro tip: You can do a “soap flush test” by mixing 1–2 tablespoons of dish soap into a gallon of water and pouring it over a small area of your lawn. Armyworms will crawl to the surface within minutes if present.
How to Prevent and Control Armyworms
If you spot armyworms early, quick action can save your lawn. Here’s what you can do:
- Monitor Regularly: Check your lawn weekly during peak season (July–October), especially after rain.
- Apply Targeted Insecticides: Treat with armyworm-approved products like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Spinosad, or Synthetic pyrethroids (such as bifenthrin or permethrin).
- Water and Mow Correctly: Avoid scalping your lawn, and water deeply but infrequently to help turf recover after stress.
Professional Armyworm Treatment in Oklahoma City
DIY efforts can work for small outbreaks, but severe infestations often require fast, professional-grade treatments. That’s where AgriLawn comes in.
Our local lawn and pest control experts provide an amazing armyworm treatment service which includes:
- Fast inspections and on-site diagnosis
- Safe, effective insecticide treatments tailored to Oklahoma turf types
- Preventive treatments to protect against future generations
- Lawn recovery advice and optional follow-ups
If you're interested in how we can help, then contact us today for a free quote and get started with your service!