Tampa Bay's water restrictions are still in effect, with the region remaining under a Stage III Extreme Water Supply Shortage... but don't let the dry spell fool you. Peak hurricane season means a single storm can dump tons of rain overnight, and that first big soak after weeks of dry weather is exactly when two of August's most disruptive pests show up: fall armyworms and fire ants. Here's what to watch for this month.

Fall Armyworms: The Overnight Lawn Wrecker

Don't let the name fool you. Fall armyworms show up in Florida well before fall, and August is prime time. These caterpillars feed mostly in the early morning and evening, moving across a lawn in large numbers and stripping grass blades down to bare patches in just a day or two. New sod and lawns that were heavily fertilized this summer are especially at risk, since armyworms are drawn to lush, tender growth.

Signs to look for:

• Uniform bare or thinning patches spreading quickly across the lawn
• Dark brown to green caterpillars up to 1.5 inches long with a light, upside-down "Y" mark on the head
• Small brown moths with white-tipped wings gathering near porch lights at night

Pro Tips:

• Do the soap flush test: 1 tablespoon dish soap per gallon of water poured over a suspicious patch brings caterpillars to the surface within minutes
• Check your lawn at dusk or dawn, when armyworms are actively feeding and easiest to spot
• Avoid heavy late-summer fertilizing. The tender...