Canada: Lack of global warming a factor in army worm infestation

Army worms destroying local crops

Part of the what is adding to the boom in the population could be the weather, said Eugenia Banks, a potato specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Banks was at Winter’s field to inspect the damage, and the extent of the infestation.

“It’s an army worm year. It’s in the southwestern area of the province,” she said. “I’ve seen it before, but not as bad as this year.”

While infestations are generally cyclical, this year’s cold weather probably aided the army worms’ progress she said. The worms quickly dry out and shrivel as the hot sun beats down on the soil. Without that heat, it’s likely the pesky pests will keep chomping away until they eat their fill.