Ask the Experts

Chinch Bugs: How to Identify & Get Rid of Them

March 21, 2023

Are you welcoming spring with open arms? You are not alone – the chinch bugs are, too! These pesky bugs can pack a mighty punch on your property, transforming it from healthy to languishing in a flash. It’s highly possible that you have seen a lawn that has been infested with chinch bugs but didn’t know it. This is because chinch bug damage closely mimics that of drought.

Below are some tips that will help ensure that chinch bug infestation doesn’t fly under the radar on your lawn.

What you cannot see CAN hurt your lawn

Chinch bugs have a distinct appearance, and you won’t miss them if it were easy to spot them. They measure about one and a half inches long, and have white wings and black or dark red bodies. While all of them have wings, some have short ones that do not allow them to fly. Most importantly, chinch bugs have piercing mouths that inject toxins and suck nutrients from your grass.

These bugs love the warm weather and start reproducing come spring. A single female chinch bug can lay hundreds of eggs, and these eggs hatch in just a few weeks. Similar to all babies, young chinch bugs have insatiable appetites that accelerate lawn damage. The thicker your turf is, the more attractive they find it.

Spotting chinch bugs

Be on the lookout for yellow or brown spots, wilting grass blades, and dried-out areas on your lawn. Curbs and sidewalks and areas that have poor irrigation are areas where they will likely take up residence. If you suspect a chinch bug infestation, you might be able to see them if you look through a magnifying glass.

You can also try using a metal cylinder tube and submerging it into the soil. Fill it with water and let it sit for a few minutes. If the area has chinch bugs, you will see them floating in the water.

Getting rid of chinch bugs

When it comes to chinch bug prevention, lawn hydration and adequate irrigation coverage are essential. Lawns that are stressed out by drought normally show the first signs of damage. Raise the irrigation heads so that they can spray the entire lawn without any interference.

Next, you may want to consider applying preventative applications. This treatment will give your lawn about three months of control and will help avoid damage from taking place. If in case an active infestation is found, immediate lawn treatment will help reduce damage.

With good preventative treatment and effective irrigation, you won’t have to worry about chinch bugs affecting your lawn’s health. If you suspect a chinch bug damage, do not hesitate to get in touch with your Dallas commercial landscaping experts today.