Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs are about 2/10 of an inch long with black and white wings on their backs. They primarily attack lawns made up of St. Augustine grass. Chinch bugs prefer warm or even hot areas, so they will rarely attack grass that spends much of the day in the shade. Grass that has been attacked by chinch bugs becomes dead and yellow in color.

Chinch bugs can be easily detected by using a gallon can, or other large can, that has both ends removed. Push the can into the ground for a few inches and then fill it with soap and water. If you have chinch bugs present they will begin to float to the surface after a few minutes.

Controlling chinch bugs is not easy. They are resistant to most common pesticides. One of the first steps is to make sure that you have removed all the dead grass from your lawn (the "thatch") so that any pesticide that you do apply can actually reach the bugs. The next step is to water the lawn thoroughly prior to application of the pesticide to bring the bugs closer to the surface. Then apply the proper pesticide, such as diazinon, chlorpyrifos, or acephate.

All pesticides require careful handling, as they are poisonous in nature. Be careful when applying them, and to not overuse them as they can poison the local animals. You may wish to make use of the services of a professional in treating chinch bugs in your lawn.