Question on Chinch Bugs
and Control Methods

Rob Asked: Hi there, great site! My question is on chinch bugs in my St. Augustine grass. My grass has died out and it looks to me like these bugs caused the damage. My adjacent neighbor had his lawn die out last year, then had it re-sodded, but it died out almost right away. Mine started to die off right after his. Can a common lawn service we both have transport chinch bugs and/or weed seeds from one lawn to the next? Seems odd my lawn was great for ten years and then dies off right after his... I just want to know if I should re-sod before my neighbor does?! Thanks in advance.

Rob,
Florida (See answer below)

Answer: Hello Rob. I would first investigate why both of your lawns died and get a positive identification on the cause before applying an insecticide. Have you gotten down and looked through the grass blades to see if it is indeed chinch bugs?

To do this, check the green grass along the line of the damaged areas. Then search carefully where the blades meet the stems. They will steadily work outwards where the damaged grass meets healthy grass. They will always move toward healthy grass.

Remember that diseases can also kill lawns quickly, so identifying the problems is a crucial first step.

There are a few methods of finding the insects:

• Take a large metal coffee can with both ends cut out. Push and twist the can so it cuts into the grass to the soil line. Pour a mixture of water mixed with a small amount of dawn dish soap into the hole. Look for an 1/8 inch long bug with silver/white wings that appear to give them an hour glass appearance on the water's surface.



• If it doesn't work, then search the grass blades at the damaged edge to see if you find bugs. If you find them, a lawn insect control product becomes necessary. Work quickly by applying an insecticide labeled for chinch bugs. Read the label of your insecticide completely before applying.

It may be helpful to know that it is not actually the chinch bug feeding by itself that causes the damage, but rather is a chemical found in the bug's saliva that is toxic to the plants.

How Lawn Service Companies Can Help Spread Certain Insects and Turf Diseases

Yes, lawn service companies, especially if mowing when the grass is wet, can transport grass to another lawn. The grass sticks to the bottom of the mower when wet and can fall off in clumps on the next lawn. While this is a drawback to using a service, in Florida it is usually only a matter of time before chinch bug damage will occur. It will be difficult to prove the lawn service is responsible since these insects are such a common problem in Florida.

Additional Helpful Information

According to Florida experts on chinch bug research, most heavy damage occurs in May through October, but can occur year around. It depends a lot on temperature. Again, applying a chinch bug control product as soon as damage is seen is necessary to save your lawn. I will include a link for further reading at the end of this email.

Here is the link. I hope this helps, Rob.
http://floridaturf.com/chinch/index.html

Thanks again,

Russ James
Lawn Care Academy