Pest identification
What's eating my northwind switch grass?
Aphids
Signs: Small green colonies on stems producing honeydew; minor leaf yellowing and sticky residue on lower foliage
Control: Water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap for persistent colonies; promote natural predators by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides
Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Signs: Sudden overnight blade stripping during warm late-summer weather; frass and chewed stems at base
Control: Apply Bt or spinosad spray targeting young larvae at dusk; repeat after rain
Grasshoppers
Signs: Irregular chewing of blade margins in hot, dry summers; rarely causes significant loss on established plants
Control: Tolerate light grazing; neem oil spray as a deterrent; insecticides only if defoliation is severe
Keep northwind switch grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Northwind Switch Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my northwind switch grass?
Northwind Switch Grass is among the most pest-tolerant switchgrass cultivars — deer resistant, drought adapted, and mostly ignored by insects. Aphids are the most frequent visitor. Fall armyworms can occasionally strip blades during outbreaks. Established clumps outgrow minor feeding damage and rarely need chemical intervention.
How do I get rid of aphids on northwind switch grass?
Small green colonies on stems producing honeydew; minor leaf yellowing and sticky residue on lower foliage Water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap for persistent colonies; promote natural predators by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides
How do I get rid of fall armyworm (spodoptera frugiperda) on northwind switch grass?
Sudden overnight blade stripping during warm late-summer weather; frass and chewed stems at base Apply Bt or spinosad spray targeting young larvae at dusk; repeat after rain
How do I get rid of grasshoppers on northwind switch grass?
Irregular chewing of blade margins in hot, dry summers; rarely causes significant loss on established plants Tolerate light grazing; neem oil spray as a deterrent; insecticides only if defoliation is severe