By John Geiger
What are chinch Bugs?
Chinch bugs are tiny creatures measuring about 1/5 inch in length when they reach adulthood. They feed on the sap of grasses using their sharp mouthparts and can do significant damage if left untreated. Because chinch bugs proliferate during hot and dry times of the year, many folks confuse the issue with drought and respond with heavy watering. Unfortunately, you cannot water your way out of a chinch bug infestation. In fact, overwatering will worsen the issue.
How to identify chinch bugs?
Early signs of damage are small yellowing areas of lawn. Grass will turn yellow, then brown and eventually die in irregular patterns. Chinch bugs will then move to the outer edges of the dead grass. This causes the dead areas to expand outwards.
To be certain, take a coffee can, cut out the bottom of it, and insert it a couple of inches into the ground where dead grass and live grass meet. Fill it with water. The chinch bugs will float to the top.
How to avoid chinch bugs in the first place?
Avoid overwatering
This keeps roots at the surface where they are more susceptible to pests and creates saturated, oxygen-deprived soils that cannot sustain essential microbes.
Mow properly
Set your mower at or near its highest setting (4 inches high), mow regularly so the leaves don’t get too long, and leave the clippings on the lawn. This reduces thatch and returns important nutrients to the soil, strengthening the grass.
Aerate and top dress with ½ inch of organic compost
Doing this at least once a year (twice is better) builds healthy soil which is essential for healthy grass – grass capable of staving off pests and disease.
Lay off the fertilizer
Excessive fertilizer enhances thatch formation and makes the grass more attractive as a food source. Reduce fertilizer use and apply a balanced, organic, slow-release product.
How to deal with a chinch bug infestation?
Water properly
Stick with the tried-and-true standard: 1 inch a week including rain, applied deeply through a cycle-and-soak method.
Use organic methods
Apply insecticidal soap or oil. These natural treatments can be used to control chinch bugs without harming the environment or beneficial insects. Apply the soap or oil directly to the affected areas according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Products that contain Beauvaria bassonia, a fungus, are highly effective against chinch bugs and a long list of other insect pests. Scientists consider the fungus to be harmless to beneficial insects, although they recommend not spraying in areas where honeybees are foraging. The bees themselves won’t become contaminated, but they may carry spores back and infect the brood.
Another organic method contains terpene – entirely harmless to mammals, birds, and fish but deadly to chinch bugs.
Biological control
Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, can help keep chinch bug populations in check. Creating a habitat that encourages these beneficial insects can be an eco-friendly way to manage chinch bug infestations.
Chemical insecticides
If the infestation is severe and other methods have not provided adequate control, Bifenthrin (synthetic Pyrethrin) is effective. Its also highly toxic to fish and beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Follow label instructions very carefully and avoid applying them near water sources.
More about chinch bugs in St Augustine lawns
Find out more through Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Entomology.
