Fall armyworms invade neighborhoods, kill lawns across Charlotte area WSOC TV [Video]

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Tiny caterpillars called armyworms are creating problems as they tear up yards in Union County. They feed on grass, which means when they start eating, lawns start browning.

“I have never seen anything this bad,” John Holland told Channel 9′s Hannah Goetz.

He’s gotten a firsthand look at the fall armyworm fiasco hitting Union County and its surrounding areas. He pointed out the worms at his house to Goetz on Tuesday.

Holland is also the owner of Trinity Lawn and Pool Solutions and shared tips for handling the creatures.

“Probably getting 30 calls a day right now,” he told Goetz.

He told her along with handling his own infestation, he’s also treating customer lawns.

“It starts out a little brown patch and then overnight, it will just turn into a wasteland of brown grass,” Holland said.

The fall armyworm is a caterpillar that eats leaves — and eats them fast. Destruction can happen overnight, turning once green, lush yards to brown, barren deserts.

The …