What Are Chinch Bugs?
Chinch bugs are little critters that in large numbers are damaging to turfgrass. Once your lawn has been invaded, they will start feeding on it, leaving patches of dry, dead grass throughout your turf. Damage occurs most frequently during hot, dry weather from June through September. Don’t let them ruin your beautiful green grass. Here is a guide to eliminating them.
Identifying Chinch Bugs
With a size of approximately ⅕” long, these little bugs have black bodies and white wings folded across their backs. During the immature stage, they have yellow bodies, then soon turn red as they grow.
How to Eliminate Chinch Bugs from Your Lawn
Following good lawn maintenance practices always helps to reduce the risk of getting any pest infestation. Besides that, here is a list of things you can do to prevent and get rid of a chinch bug infestation.
Preventive Practices
Mow lawns according to the recommended height for your particular grass species- Eliminate excess thatch
- Aerate if necessary
- Top-dress your soil with organic compost
- Apply the right amount of water according to your lawn requirements
- Use slow-release organic fertilizers
- Aerate and fertilize again in the fall
Eliminating the Pest
There are several products you can apply to kill these critters.
- Beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs will feed on this pest
- Safer Soap bypasses the protective outer shell of insects, the chemical composition makes the critter dehydrate and finally dies
- Broadcast insect killer will repel or kill all types of unwanted critters
Control and Prevention of Chinch Bugs in Tennessee
If you have chinch bugs, contact Secure Lawn in Colorado. Our turf experts will help you eliminate these pests in no time. We have developed special pest control programs to keep chinch bugs and any other intruders under control.
