FALL ARMYWORM
Facts & Information
A fast-spreading caterpillar pest that can devastate maize and other cereal crops within days.
Family Name
Noctuidae
What do fall armyworm look like?
Larvae range from green to dark brown with a distinctive inverted Y-shaped marking on the head. They feed inside the whorl of young maize plants, leaving ragged, windowed leaves and visible frass.
How do I get rid of fall armyworm?
Early detection through regular scouting is critical — infestations can spread quickly across a field. Combagro and Solvay field teams support growers with timely, targeted treatment programs and best-practice guidance during high-risk planting windows.
Find expert support near you →
Learn all about fall armyworm
A fast-spreading caterpillar pest that can devastate maize and other cereal crops within days.
Damage Caused
Whorl and ear damage in maize; can spread rapidly.
Life Cycle
Roughly 30 days from egg to adult.
Peak Season
Warm months during maize growth stages.
Look For
Ragged leaves with visible frass in the whorl.
Other pests to know
Cabbage Worm
A common leaf-feeding caterpillar that targets cabbage, cauliflower, and other brassica crops.
Crop PestPink Bollworm
One of the most damaging pests of cotton in Pakistan, feeding inside developing bolls.
Crop PestWhitefly
A tiny sap-sucking insect that also spreads viral diseases across cotton and vegetable crops.