Armyworms Are Marching into Kansas City – Here’s What You Need to Know

jason clarkson
Aug 9
2 min read

It’s happening again — armyworms are making their way across Kansas City. Reports are coming in from neighborhoods all over the metro, and these lawn-damaging pests can destroy turf in just a few days if left untreated.

We’re seeing activity from Blue Springs to Olathe, Lee’s Summit to Overland Park, and everywhere in between. It’s time to be on high alert.

🐛 What Are Armyworms?

Armyworms are caterpillar-like larvae of a moth species. They feed aggressively on grass blades, often moving in large groups (hence the name “armyworms”). They don’t eat roots — but they can chew the leaves down so far and so fast that your lawn looks scalped.

🔍 Signs You Might Have Armyworms

Brown or thinning patches appearing almost overnight
Grass blades chewed down to the crown
Increased bird activity on your lawn (they’re feeding on the worms)
Clusters of tiny, white/cream-colored eggs on decks, siding, or patio furniture

🧪 The Soap & Water Test

If you’re not sure whether you have armyworms, here’s a quick way to check:

Mix 1–2 tablespoons of dish soap in a gallon of water.
Pour the mixture over a 1–2 square foot patch of your lawn where you see damage.
Wait a few minutes — if you see small, wriggling caterpillar-like worms come to the surface, those are armyworms.

🛠 What You Can Do – DIY Approach

If you catch them early, you can treat your lawn yourself with a store-bought lawn insecticide.

Look for a product labeled for armyworms
Many garden centers, Lowe’s, and Home Depot sell hose-end bottles you can spray yourself
You’ll need enough product to cover your entire lawn, not just the damaged spots

🌱 What Turf Geeks Can Do

We offer our Turf Geek Insect Guard — a professional-grade insecticide treatment that:

Knocks out active armyworms fast
Protects your lawn for 30 days from future infestations
Is applied with commercial equipment for full, even coverage
Uses products safe for kids and pets once dry

🚨 Why Act Now

Armyworms don’t wait — they move and feed quickly, especially in warm, humid weather. A healthy lawn that’s green today can look brown and chewed up tomorrow. The sooner you act, the better your chances of avoiding major damage.