What is a symptom of armyworm damage in turf?

• A. Uniform growth across turf
• B. Irregular patches of defoliation with irregular holes and frass present
• C. Yellowing of entire lawn
• D. White powder on leaves

Answer: (B)

Armyworms cut and chew grass blades, creating irregular patches of defoliation with ragged edges. You’ll often see holes in the turf and frass (caterpillar droppings) around the damaged areas. This patchy, jagged damage distinguishes armyworm activity from other problems. Uniform growth across the lawn wouldn’t reflect localized feeding, yellowing across the whole lawn suggests a broad stress or disease, and a white powder on leaves points to a fungal issue or residue rather than armyworm feeding.