Chinch Bugs In Lawns and Turf

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Chinch Bug - Damage turf and grains in dry years -	Summary: Chinch bugs feed on the leaves of grasses and small grains. Damage is greatest during dry summers. Turf grass can often survive the damage if properly fertilized and irrigated. There are several treatment options, as well. Jack DeAngelis, PhD OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

What are chinch bugs?

Chinch bugs (right; color picture of chinch bug) are small, true bugs (Hemiptera) that damage turf grasses and grain crops such as wheat and sorghum. There are a number of different species that occur in different areas. Immature chinch bugs feed on the same plants as do adults.

Chinch bugs cause irregular patches of dead or yellowed turf and are especially damaging during hot, dry summers following a dry spring. Some regions are plagued by chinch bugs year after year while others only occasionally see this pest. There are 2-6 generations per year depending on climate. Damage is most severe when chinch bugs are not detected early in the season and bug populations are allowed to build to high numbers.

Scouting for chinch bugs

Since early chinch bug detection is so important in order to prevent turf damage you should scout for chinch bugs if (1) you live where these bugs are normally a pest (check with local Extension or lawn care experts) and (2) if you experienced a dry spring and early summer.

common names: southern chinch bug, hairy chinch bug

chinch bug ~ 1/8" long; black & white drawing

Scouting methods:

Method 1: With your hand lens carefully inspect grass blades especially near the soil surface. Look for chinch bugs and damage. This inspection will give you a rough idea of the of the population size.

Method 2: Make a tube out of plastic pipe, 4" diameter or larger, or a large metal can. Twist one end into the soil. Fill the tube with water or a 1% insecticidal soap solution. Chinch bugs will float to the surface after a few minutes where they can be counted. Greater than 20 chinch bugs per square foot probably warrants control.

How can I avoid damage from chinch bugs?

Healthy turf will resist most injury. Watering and light fertilizer applications seem to suppress chinch bug populations. However, if you detect significant chinch bug numbers, especially early in the summer following a dry spring, chemical control may be needed.

Insecticidal soap is an excellent, low toxicity spray for chinch bugs. You can spot spray infested areas with a garden sprayer. Follow label instructions carefully. While soap is effective and safe it is difficult to spray large areas like a lawn.

Granular insecticides such as imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced), bifenthrin (Talstar EZ) or deltamethrin (Deltagard G) will be easier to apply to large areas because they can be applied using an ordinary fertilizer speader. Conventional insecticides are considerably more hazardous than soap, however.

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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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