Quick answer
Fall armyworms are caterpillars that chew grass blades, often in late summer and early fall. Damage spreads fast, so early detection matters. Established Bermuda usually recovers if it's watered and fed.
Signs to Watch For
- Grass that looks chewed or 'windowpaned'
- Brown areas that move across the lawn over a few days
- Birds feeding heavily on the lawn
- Small green-to-brown caterpillars at the base of the grass in early morning
Soap Flush Test
Mix a few tablespoons of dish soap in a gallon of water and pour it over a square foot at the edge of damage. Caterpillars will come to the surface within minutes if present.
Response
If counts are high, treat with an insecticide labeled for armyworms. Afterward, water the lawn to help it regrow. Bermuda's runners usually fill back in.