Pest identification
What's eating my ruby ribbons switch grass?
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on stems and new growth producing honeydew; minor yellowing and sticky leaf surfaces
Control: Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray for heavy infestations; attract natural predators
Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Signs: Overnight stripping of leaf blades in late summer; frass and bare stems visible the following morning
Control: Bt or spinosad applied at dusk targeting young caterpillars; chlorantraniliprole for severe outbreaks
Grasshoppers
Signs: Irregular chewing of blade margins in hot, dry summer conditions; cosmetic on healthy plants
Control: Tolerate on established plants; neem oil as a feeding deterrent; insecticides only when defoliation is severe
Keep ruby ribbons switch grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ruby Ribbons Switch Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my ruby ribbons switch grass?
Ruby Ribbons Switch Grass is deer resistant and robust, with very few serious pest threats. Aphids colonise stems most seasons but rarely cause lasting harm. Fall armyworms can defoliate blades rapidly in warm-climate late summers. Grasshoppers graze in dry spells. Mature clumps outgrow most feeding events without needing treatment.
How do I get rid of aphids on ruby ribbons switch grass?
Colonies on stems and new growth producing honeydew; minor yellowing and sticky leaf surfaces Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray for heavy infestations; attract natural predators
How do I get rid of fall armyworm (spodoptera frugiperda) on ruby ribbons switch grass?
Overnight stripping of leaf blades in late summer; frass and bare stems visible the following morning Bt or spinosad applied at dusk targeting young caterpillars; chlorantraniliprole for severe outbreaks
How do I get rid of grasshoppers on ruby ribbons switch grass?
Irregular chewing of blade margins in hot, dry summer conditions; cosmetic on healthy plants Tolerate on established plants; neem oil as a feeding deterrent; insecticides only when defoliation is severe