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Chinchbugs
Chinchbugs are damaging pests to St. Augustinegrass. They have occurred on grasses such as zoysia, bermuda, and centipede, but these infestations usually occur where high populations have built up on St. Augustinegrass.
As the insects sucks the plant juices, it releases a toxin that causes yellowish-brown patches to appear in lawns. If the feeding does not kill the grass, it recovers slowly and the lawn looks bad for a long time. The chinch bug is a sunshine-loving insect and seldom attacks grass in shaded areas.
Chinch bugs are about one-fifth of an inch long. They are black with white wings that are folded over the back. The small nymphs or young chinch bugs are about one-twentieth of an inch long. They are bright red with a white band across their backs.
Check your lawn weekly in the warm months of the year. Part the grass in several locations and watch for the insects as they move into the thatch. You can also do a water test to find out if chinchbugs are present. Remove both ends of a large tin-can, press the can into the soil about 2" deep in an next to an area that has turfgrass damage. Fill the can with water and wait. If chinch bugs are present, they float to the top after just 5 to 10 minutes.
If you have chinch bugs in your lawn, Tee To Green can control them. Give us a call today for a free estimate and evaluation of your problem area.
Tupelo: 844-9006
