Sounds like a pretty common problem down there. As with a lot of pests (and weeds), your best defense is often a good offense, so to speak. A healthy lawn can learn to live despite these bugs. Avoid overwatering or overfertilizing the lawn. Use slow-release nitrogen fertilizer sparingly. Here is a really good thorough piece about chinch bugs that also lists potentially effective pesticides.
Chinch bugs are most damaging to St. Augustine grass. You may see them on grasses such as zoysia, Bermuda, and centipede, but infestations usually occur where high populations have built up on St. Augustine grass. Adult chinch bugs are about one-fifth of an inch long and black with white wings folded over their backs. The insect mates early in the season when the temperature reaches 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The female lays eggs on roots, stems, leaves, leaf sheaths or crevices in nodes and
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other protected places. Eggs are laid over a 2 to 3 week period, with one female laying as many as 500 eggs.
Chinch bugs have become resistant to almost every pesticide used to control them. Of the many insecticides labeled for chinch bug elimination, there are two that stand out above the rest: Talstar (which contains Bifenthrin) and Acephate. Be sure to follow directions.
James A knows his Chinch bugs! Be sure to post some pix of that beautiful lawn when you get 'er straightened out..I see from other members' posts that you're not the only one dealing with those buggers!
Chinch bugs are nasty and love St. Augustine. I would call a local pest company. Most will offer a warranty on their services. Look at the information below. I hope it helps if you decide to take them on on your own. Do not fertilize while trying to kill chinch bugs....they like nitrogen.
Chinch bugs thrive in conditions of excess thatch, too little water, and too much or too little nitrogen. Therefore, the best treatment for chinch bugs includes the following: .
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1.Remove Thatch Layer. Eliminating thatch will improve drainage and fertilizer penetration into the soil. It will also expose chinch bugs to their bird and insect predators.
2.Insecticidal Soap. It is commonly mixed with water and poured on the lawn where pest problems are suspected. Such a soaking irritates any pest insects near the soil surface, driving them upwards into the grass blades to escape the moisture and dry off.
At the soil surface, chinch bugs are vulnerable to attacks by predator birds or a landscaper's rake.
The major ingredients in commercial insecticidal soap are fatty-acid salts. Because these salts are nontoxic, they are safe for use on lawns.
3.Insecticides. Garden centers sell insect controls under different brand names. The most common ingredients include propoxar, isophenphos, diazinon, chloropyrifos, or NPD. Follow the label carefully.
home depot now sells a cinch bug control that has an arena ( spelling?) chemical which is suppose to work where the bugs have developed resistance to some of the other chemicals.
Audrey, Tim (5/12/2011) is right. I had the same problem with the property I live at now; an old chinchbug infestation that threatened to start again. I went to Home Depot, and bought a bag of lawn treatment, with the "Arena" pesticide in it. The Home Depot salesperson said it's the newest treatment. I applied it, according to the directions; end of chinchbug problem....for THIS season!
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh036
Good luck, Audrey.
Chinch bugs have become resistant to almost every pesticide used to control them. Of the many insecticides labeled for chinch bug elimination, there are two that stand out above the rest: Talstar (which contains Bifenthrin) and Acephate. Be sure to follow directions.
Best to you,
JL
Chinch bugs thrive in conditions of excess thatch, too little water, and too much or too little nitrogen. Therefore, the best treatment for chinch bugs includes the following: . ...»
1.Remove Thatch Layer. Eliminating thatch will improve drainage and fertilizer penetration into the soil. It will also expose chinch bugs to their bird and insect predators.
2.Insecticidal Soap. It is commonly mixed with water and poured on the lawn where pest problems are suspected. Such a soaking irritates any pest insects near the soil surface, driving them upwards into the grass blades to escape the moisture and dry off.
At the soil surface, chinch bugs are vulnerable to attacks by predator birds or a landscaper's rake.
The major ingredients in commercial insecticidal soap are fatty-acid salts. Because these salts are nontoxic, they are safe for use on lawns.
3.Insecticides. Garden centers sell insect controls under different brand names. The most common ingredients include propoxar, isophenphos, diazinon, chloropyrifos, or NPD. Follow the label carefully.