The Chinch Bug: What They Are and What You Can Do About Them
If you have recently found a chinch bug infestation in your yard you are far from alone. The chinch bug infects much of the gulf coast including the southern half of the state of Texas. They are most frequently found on St. Augustine grass though they have also been found on other types of grass including centipede, bermuda, zoysia and bahia grasses.
The chinch bug in its adult form is about 1/5 of an inch in length, black in color with wings that fold onto its back. Though they do have wings they rarely fly. They love to suck the juices out of the grass and usually prefer sunny areas and you will rarely find them in shaded grass areas.
If you aren’t sure whether your yard is infested with chinch bugs or not try to run this simple test. Simply go to an area of grass where it has yellowed or turned brown in color and sweep your foot across the grass and see if any chinch bugs are present.
Once you’re sure you have a chinch bug infestation you’ll probably want to learn how you can get rid of them and it is a bit tricky. These insects are immune to just about every insecticide or pest control spray available and the interesting part is that while other insects may die off, the cinch bug population may increase, but you do have a couple of options.
The first thing you can do to reduce your chinch bug population is keep your lawn well cared for and reduce the amount of thatch. If you want to use chemicals to try and get rid of these insects consider using a liquid or granular insecticide to your entire lawn. Be sure to water before and after insecticide application and it’s important that you don’t water too much or over-fertilize.
If you keep your lawn well maintained and keep thatch away you will be able to reduce the insect population that is infecting your grass. You may also consider using a variety of grass known as Floratam which seems to be resistant to chinch bugs. Only those areas in southern Texas should attempt to use this type of grass though.
Call Bugchasers Pest Control to Prevent Chinch Bugs
Though chinch bugs are a nuisance there are ways you can lower their population and stop them from ruining your lawn. Perhaps the best way to eliminate chinch bugs and prevent the damage that they can do to your lawn is to call Bugchasers Pest Control today.
