Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a migrating moth whose caterpillars can cause rapid and conspicuous damage to corn. Young caterpillars scrape leaf surfaces, while larger larvae chew ragged holes and often hide deep inside the whorl. Their feeding can leave the emerging leaves looking shredded, with large amounts of frass collecting around the feeding area. Older caterpillars can also attack tassels and ears. A pale, inverted Y-shaped marking on the head is one of the most useful features for identifying the caterpillar.

How to Fix It
Check the whorl: Pull the leaves apart and look deep inside for caterpillars and fresh frass when ragged feeding damage appears.
Hand-pick: Remove and destroy caterpillars when numbers are manageable.
Act while larvae are small: Large caterpillars hidden deep inside the whorl are considerably harder to control.
Encourage beneficial insects: Predators and parasitoids attack Fall Armyworm eggs and young larvae.
Bt: Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki works best on small caterpillars before they become deeply protected inside the whorl.
Spinosad: Spinosad can control young Fall Armyworm caterpillars when additional treatment is needed. Avoid spraying flowers or when bees are actively foraging.