AGRICULTURE REPORT | Time to Scout: Fall Armyworms Marching Through Milam County

By Josh Evans - Milam County Extension Agent ANR

Milam County - Recent weather conditions have created a perfect storm for local agricultural producers. The Milam County AgriLife Extension Office is urging all area producers to immediately begin scouting their hayfields and pastures for the presence of fall armyworms.

Significant armyworm activity has already been reported right here within Milam County, as well as in our neighboring counties. Because of the massive, fast-moving damage these pests can create as they march through a pasture, early detection and timely treatment are absolutely critical to saving your forage.

Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Fields

When it comes to treating an armyworm infestation, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Producers should carefully weigh their options based on cost, weather conditions, and how long they need the protection to last.

Here is a breakdown of the primary treatment options available on the market today:

Pyrethroids (Standard Option):

• Pros: Widely available and highly cost-effective for a quick knockdown.
• Cons: They offer a very short residual window and can easily be washed off the leaf tissue by rainfall.

Pyrethroid + Diflubenzuron Mix (Extended Option):

• Mixing a standard pyrethroid with a product containing the active ingredient diflubenzuron will boost your protection, extending the residual period to 10 to 12 days.

Premium Rainfast Products (Long-Term Option):

• Products such as Vantacor, Shenzi, or Besiege are absorbed directly into the leaf tissue.
• Because they are absorbed by the plant, they are completely rainfast—meaning they can withstand significant rainfall while offering the longest residual protection window of 14 to 20 days.

Need Assistance?

Don't wait until your pastures are stripped bare. If you have any questions regarding fall armyworm identification, scouting techniques, or specific chemical application rates, please reach out.

Contact the Extension Office:

Phone: 254-697-7045 or (254) 605-0226

Address: 908 N. Crockett Ave., Ste B, Cameron, TX 76520

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides equal opportunities in its programs and employment to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.