Chinch Bugs
Appearance Of Chinch Bugs:
Chinch bugs are black in color, with white wings that are very shiny. They range in size, from 1/10”-1/8”. The nymphs are reddish-pink and have white stripes on their backs.
Location and Behavior Patterns:
Chinch bugs are a year-round problem throughout southern Florida. They can kill grass, by sucking on the moisture in the grass blades. Once they suck the grass of moisture, they can then inject a toxin into the grass blades, which also aids in killing the grass. Grass that is infested with Chinch bugs will look as if it were in a drought, and you may see Chinch bugs flying just above the surface of the grass.
Chinch bugs are not dangerous to people or pets, but they are harmful to yards. The property owner may even have to replace grass that has been invaded by Chinch bugs. This type of pest is especially attracted to St. Augustine grass.
Chinch Bug Control
The only way to combat these pests is with methods designed specifically for chinch bug control. There are a few treatments commonly used, with the most common being insecticides applied to infested areas. Other steps you can take to eliminate chinch bugs include mowing your grass regularly to maintain a height of 3 to 4 inches, and being careful not to overwater or over-fertilize your lawn.
What Are Cinch Bugs?
What Are They?
Chinch bugs are little insects measuring less than a quarter-inch – that’s tiny! While they may be small, the damage they can inflict on your lawn can be massive. Chinch bugs are found mostly in the southern U.S., with Florida being extremely hard-hit by the insects. Chinch bugs survive by feeding on your grass, sucking each blade dry and leaving brown, dead patches where healthy grass once grew.
The damage caused by chinch bugs is nothing to scoff at. These small pests have been known to destroy many acres of grass in short periods of time, and they have become the second most expensive pest to control in Florida. Millions of dollars are spent each year by Floridians to curb the destruction caused by chinch bugs, but often much of the damage is already done by the time homeowners realize what they’re dealing with
Should You Worry About Cinch Bugs?
Insecticides work well against Chinch bugs. There are a variety of insecticides that are effective. Your pest control technician will use either insecticide spray or pellets, in order to eliminate your lawn of this pesky pest. Once the Chinch bugs are gone, then you can tend to your lawn again, in order to create a healthy environment.