Applications of insecticides for control of chinch bugs should be made when chinch bugs have been detected. Routine "preventative" applications should be avoided since this can contribute to the development of pesticide resistance by the chinch bugs, an already recognized problem. Unnecessary pesticide applications can also reduce the populations of beneficial insects, like the big-eyed bug, that help to control chinch bugs.

Chinch bug damage can resemble drought injury. Affected areas begin to yellow, then turn tan and become dry and straw-like. Several methods can be used to find chinch bugs.

The easiest and fastest is to part the grass near yellowed areas and look at the soil surface and thatch. Pull out individual grass plants and look inside the bottom leaf sheath. Examine several different areas if chinch bugs aren't immediately found. Heavy infestations are easy to identify because large numbers of chinch bugs may migrate across sidewalks and driveways. Insects are most active on warm, sunny days in mid-afternoon. More information on other methods of detection can be found in this fact sheet: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh036

Several pesticides are registered for the control of chinch bugs, both products that are applied as sprays and some that are in a granular form. Treating the affected area and a band of about 5 feet of healthy grass around it, rather than making broadcast applications, helps to minimize the development of pesticide resistance. Be sure to read and follow all label directions on any pesticide that you use.

For further help you can bring a sample of grass to our help desk at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Monday thru Friday from 8 am - 5 pm.