Moths are laying eggs, which will hatch in 10 days to two weeks. Despite their large numbers, Gibb says the moths are not causing harm. Purdue entomologist Tim Gibb holds armyworm moths, which have been inundating homes, trees and vegetation in Indiana. Sources: Tim Gibb, 76, Sadof, 76, Jennifer Doup, 76, Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722 Beth Forbes, Ag News Coordinator, News Service: (765) 494-2096 Web sites:Įntomology publication H-19: 'Moth invasions around home at night?' He says to keep all doors and windows screened and porch lights off unless needed to help reduce the number of moths flying around lights and residences. Gibb advises homeowners to be patient over the next two weeks until the moths die. Normally spring rains drown the eggs, however, this years early dry conditions allowed armyworm populations to grow beyond normal, says Gibb. The armyworm problem stems from an exceptionally large moth flight from the south and from a high survival rate of eggs this spring. Allowing these controls to continue will help assure the next generation of armyworms will be moderate, he says. Gibb says caterpillars already are dying from naturally occurring diseases and parasites. Sadof says stress from the heat and fungus spores in the soil will kill off large numbers of armyworm caterpillars after they hatch. 'There will be a second generation of armyworms, but we do not how large it will be at this point,' says Gibb. At that point, moths die and the population drops dramatically, he says. The eggs hatch 10 days to two weeks after being laid. The moths currently are at the peak of egg laying or beyond, says Cliff Sadof, Purdue entomologist. During the day, moths rest on trees and vegetation. These brownish-gray and buff colored moths are especially active in the early evening hours and gravitate toward light. Gibb says the invasion of armyworm caterpillars earlier this spring has developed into the largest population of armyworm moths in history. They are just a nuisance pest because of their high numbers right now.' They do not damage homes or plants and do not bite people. 'Moths feed on the plant nectar and pollen. 'The moths, or the adult stage of the armyworm caterpillar, are not the damaging stage of this insect,' says insect diagnostician Tim Gibb. Swarms of armyworm moths are invading Indiana homes, trees and vegetation, but one Purdue University entomologist says the insects are not causing damage. JArmyworm moths around homes not causing damage

Armyworm moths around homes not causing damage

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