How to Get Rid of Chinch Bugs

Do you need to find out how to get rid of chinch bugs in your grass yard? Here’s everything you should look for in professional chinch bugs control.

  Is your yard looking patchy, brown, and unhealthy? The problem could be chinch bugs. These yard pests can be difficult to identify while they eat away at your grass.

  The southern chinch bug is known to cause damage to many yard types across the Gulf Coast region. These insects are fond of St. Augustine grass, bermuda grass, tall fescue, zoysia grass, bent grass, and other popular turf grass species. Florida’s heat contributes to chinch bug activity.

  As a responsible homeowner, you want to do your best to keep your yard healthy. You need to know what to look for to identify a chinch bug infestation to keep it under control, and we’re here to help you find the best solution for chinch bugs control.

  By arming yourself with information about testing for chinch bugs and chinch bug treatment, you’ll be able to protect your yard more efficiently. Keep reading to learn more about identifying and eliminating chinch bugs.

How to Tell If You Have Chinch Bugs

What Chinch Bugs Look Like

Several types of chinch bugs exist across North America. The southern chinch bug prefers the Gulf Coast region. These insects are roughly one-quarter of an inch large as adults, with dark red or black bodies and white wings that feature black triangular shapes.

  Recently hatched nymphs will have a pink or yellow body color with a lighter band or spot on their backs. Nymphs that molt may develop wing pads that grow into small wings or full-size wings. Not every chinch bug is capable of flight.

  The southern chinch bug uses its beak-shaped mouth to tear into grass leaves to remove the nutrients. The saliva of the chinch bug is phytotoxic and causes even further damages to the grass that they eat.

How to Find Chinch Bugs

1. Find the Damaged Patches

Chinch bug damage often begins as small, yellow patches in the warmest parts of the yard. Look for damaged, yellowing areas of your yard that are in direct sunlight or near concrete. These insects are also attracted to thatch, which provides them with protection.

2. Test for Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs typically hide at the base of the grass and only climb the grass blade for feeding. If you suspect chinch bugs are the cause of the patches in your yard, there is a simple test you can perform.

  Take a sturdy coffee can and remove the top and bottom portions. Take the can to the patchy area of your lawn and tap it about three inches into the ground. Then, fill the can with some clear water.

  Once you’ve filled the can, use a stick to stir and agitate the water. If chinch bugs are present, they will float to the top of the water for you to identify. If you’re unsure about what you find, you can always refer to your local chinch bug control professionals or a nature identification service.

What Is the Best Product to Kill Chinch Bugs

Professional chinch bugs control services are the most effective way to remove chinch bugs from your lawn. These insects can be challenging to spot and are frustratingly similar to a helping insect known as the big-eyed bug. A professional will know the difference.

  Effective and long-lasting chinch bug control often relies on potent insecticides that can cause health and environmental issues if misused. Additionally, some chinch bugs in Florida are developing resistance to common pesticides.

  You’ll want to bring in a pest control technician to ensure that the chinch bugs in your yard are under control. Be sure to ask your technician to explain the types of contracts they offer for chinch bugs control. Some may not provide follow-up visits to ensure your yard is healthy again.

  In terms of chinch bugs damage repair, you’ll want to look into reseeding the dead and damaged patches on your lawn. You’ll also want to work towards maintaining a strong, healthy lawn that can naturally keep chinch bugs under control. Reducing thatch and moderating fertilizer will help prevent another infestation.

  If you’re struggling with a chinch bug infestation in your lawn, call Tri-S Pest Control Service at (813)-579-6841 for professional chinch bug control today.