State Warns Round 2 of Armyworms for WNY | News

BUFFALO, NY--  The New York State Agriculture Commissioner is sending out a warning to crop growers that a second generation of armyworms has been reported in Western and Northern New York.

2 On Your Side first reported on the Armyworm invasion that hit many homes/farms in WNY back in June.

This little pest quickly devastated many fields of hay and corn earlier this growing season, and even homeowners lawns.

This insect is called armyworm because in its caterpillar stage it often will move in a mass, marching in lines from one destroyed field to their next feeding ground.

Officials ask farmers to be on the look out for this second generation.

The caterpillars are very small at this time - about ¼ inch long. This small size makes this an optimal time to implement control measures.

Armyworms are most readily found in early morning as these are night feeders.

For specific information on how to detect and control this pest contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension agent.