Chinch bugs can be serious pests in certain types of grass. In southern areas St. Augustine grass is especially susceptible while in northern states bentgrass lawns are prone to infestations.
Biology
Adults are about 1/5 inch long, are true bugs (crossed wing covers), while the nymphs are somewhat smaller and are bright red. Several generations are possible each year. Chinch bugs prefer the bright sunny areas of the yard and dry conditions. Infected areas will have a bleached out appearance at first and then turn brown and die.
Control
A thorough spraying with Talstar 2-4 times a season will keep chinch bugs and other lawn pests under control. In some parts of the south chinch bugs and other lawn insects are immune to organophosphate insecticides (dursban and diazinon). In these cases talstar
(a synthetic pyrethroid) may be subsituted.
Talstar is $67 / pt
1-800-226-8370
e-Bug Products - Do It Yourself Pest Control
