Chinchbugs
damage a lawn by piercing the grass blade, extracting fluids from the
plant, and injecting saliva fluids into the blade. Injury is caused to
the turfgrass plant by robbing natural fluids, while the presence of salivary
fluids disrupts the plant's water-conducting system,
causing the lawn to appear drought-stricken.
Signs and Symptoms:
Adult chinchbugs are about 1/5 inch long and are black with white wings folded over their back. Chinchbugs generally occur in scattered patches rather than being distributed evenly over the lawn. Infested lawns are most likely to show damage in sunny, open areas. Shaded areas will often stay green, while the surrounding turfgrass may become completely discolored or dead. Severe damage is associated with dry rather than wet years. This is due in part to a naturally occurring disease that destroys chinchbugs when the turf is moist. During the course of a season, one to three generations of chinchbugs may develop, depending on the weather conditions. If chinchbugs are present, they are often seen wandering across sidewalks or driveways on warm days. Chinchbugs may be detected at the green margins of damaged areas by vigorously brushing the area and watching for the tiny insects scurrying. Another method is to remove both ends of a coffee can and insert one rim into the green margin of a suspected area of damage. After filling the can with water, add a few drops of household detergent; if present, chinchbugs will float to the surface after five or ten minutes.
Cultural Practices for Control :
Provide proper water to keep the lawn from going into a stressed condition. Proper mowing height of 2" to 3" will enhance the vigor of the lawn and help to avoid lawn stress.
Pro Care Practices for Control:
Pro Care's program includes a preventative application of insect control to safeguard your lawn against chinchbug damage and curative insect control (as needed) should chinchbugs appear. Proper fertilization will help the lawn recover from any damage, which may occur from chinchbugs.
The Pro Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.
Signs and Symptoms:
Adult chinchbugs are about 1/5 inch long and are black with white wings folded over their back. Chinchbugs generally occur in scattered patches rather than being distributed evenly over the lawn. Infested lawns are most likely to show damage in sunny, open areas. Shaded areas will often stay green, while the surrounding turfgrass may become completely discolored or dead. Severe damage is associated with dry rather than wet years. This is due in part to a naturally occurring disease that destroys chinchbugs when the turf is moist. During the course of a season, one to three generations of chinchbugs may develop, depending on the weather conditions. If chinchbugs are present, they are often seen wandering across sidewalks or driveways on warm days. Chinchbugs may be detected at the green margins of damaged areas by vigorously brushing the area and watching for the tiny insects scurrying. Another method is to remove both ends of a coffee can and insert one rim into the green margin of a suspected area of damage. After filling the can with water, add a few drops of household detergent; if present, chinchbugs will float to the surface after five or ten minutes.
Cultural Practices for Control :
Provide proper water to keep the lawn from going into a stressed condition. Proper mowing height of 2" to 3" will enhance the vigor of the lawn and help to avoid lawn stress.
Pro Care Practices for Control:
Pro Care's program includes a preventative application of insect control to safeguard your lawn against chinchbug damage and curative insect control (as needed) should chinchbugs appear. Proper fertilization will help the lawn recover from any damage, which may occur from chinchbugs.
The Pro Care staff is always ready to assist you with your lawn. Please call if we may provide any information to enhance your lawn's health or appearance.