Armyworms Are Latest Scourge
To Hit Drouth-Plagued Texas

WACO — Just when the oppressive heat and devastating drouth seemed to be subsiding, vegetation in Central Texas is facing a new enemy: armyworms.

"They're pretty vicious around here," said Hope Huffman, whose husband, Harlan, has been fighting to keep the bugs from ruining newly planted wheat crops at their farm in southwestern McLennan County.

Officials blame the combination of recent rains and warmer-than-usual temperatures for turning Central Texas into a breeding ground for the fall armyworm, an inchlong, green, brown or black caterpillar. A distinguishing feature is the white, upside-down "Y" that runs between their eyes.

The insects, which travel in large groups, are feasting on grazing crops, lawns, vegetable gardens and other vegetation. They can take out wide areas in short order.

"They come in and literally destroy pastures and fields," said Doug Andrews, McLennan County Extension agent. "Insecticides can be sprayed, but, the thing is, you have to do it right away because in two days, your fields will be gone."

Andrews said armyworms also raged out of control in 1996 following that year's drouth.

Armyworm eggs, covered with fuzzy, gray scales, are laid in clumps of 50 to 200 on blades of grass, according to information from the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. The eggs hatch within days, and the resulting armyworm caterpillars feed for two to three weeks.

During the last stage of development, the armyworm will dig into the soil and emerge two weeks later as an adult moth. The pale brown armyworm moth, or "miller," typically comes out at night and is found primarily around outside lights.

The problem isn't limited to rural areas. Suburban lawns and gardens are just as susceptible.

"We've been real busy the last few days trying to take care of the armyworms," said Harvey Walker, who co-owns the Quality Pest Control Company in Waco with his wife, Helen. "Our phone is ringing off the hook about them."

The city of Waco parks department also has been treating foliage in parks with a nonhazardous spray to combat the caterpillar, city officials said.

Speegleville farmer Jimmy Westerfeld said he plans to sow his fall wheat crop in a couple of weeks, so he's hoping for colder weather to kill the insects.

With crop prices so low right now, he said it's better to wait than to spend the money on planting and paying to stave off a slew of armyworms.

"I'm just waiting it out now," Westerfeld said.<