Kelly, Have you tried bird seed? If you lightly sprinkle bird seed on the lawn where the bugs are, then when the birds come to eat the seeds, they will also eat the bugs...Inexpensive, might be worth a try....
Chinch bugs are nasty and love St. Augustine. I would call a local pest company. Most will offer a warranty on their services. If you want to save money call a local pest company. 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
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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.
You can prevent damage by applying insecticides to keep chinch bug numbers low. Spectracide Bug Stop Insect Control Granules, Bayer Advanced 24-Hour Grub Control or Scotts Lawn Pro Insect Control w/Fertilizer are registered for use in Florida. However, an integrated pest management program, or insecticide resistance management program, needs to be implemented to keep the grass healthy and chinch bug populations low.Responsible use of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers may help manage populations. As will controlling overuse of irrigation.
Chinch bugs thrive in conditions of excess thatch, too little water, and too much or too ...»
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.