Signs of Chinch Bug Damage in Your Florida Lawn
With Florida’s warm and humid climate, there are many lawn insects or diseases that can cause trouble in your lawn. If you start noticing dead patches of grass in your otherwise lush St. Augustine lawn, you may have a chinch bug problem on your hands. Quick action is always important to stop further lawn damage and return to your pest-free Florida oasis. For the best protection, take note of these surefire signs of chinch bug activity on your lawn.
What are Chinch Bugs?
The Southern Chinch Bug is commonly found in warm and sunny regions, and they thrive in areas with well-watered lawns. They are known to be particularly problematic in southern regions of the United States, including Florida. Chinch bugs are relatively small, ranging from 1/6 to 1/5 inch in length. They have a distinctive black body with white wings. The eggs are typically laid in the thatch layer or soil near the base of the grass. Nymphs go through several developmental stages before reaching adulthood. The adult chinch bugs are sap-sucking insects that feed on juices from the grass blades of a healthy lawn. They’re mostly active when it’s warm, but that can mean year-round damage for some areas of Florida.
What Does Chinch Bug Damage Look Like on a Florida Lawn?
Chinch bugs love St. Augustine grass and zoysiagrass, making Florida a great place to be. These pesky lawn pests tend to feed in groups causing irregularly shaped brown patches of grass in your lawn. The damaged grass will appear in yellowish-brown or straw-colored dead patches. When chinch bugs feed on your grass, they inject toxins into the plant and suck moisture from the grass. This causes the blades of grass to appear wilted or sunken. If you’re concerned about chinch bug damage in your lawn, inspect the damaged areas. By parting the grass and looking closely at the base of the plants, you may find the black and white adult insects or orange nymphs.
How to Get Rid of Chinch Bug Infestations in Florida
Chinch bug infestations are more common in turfgrass that is under stress. Good lawn care practices, such as regular mowing and watering, can help prevent chinch bug problems. Aeration can also help with chinch bug control as it helps with breaking down the thatch layer where they may commonly be found or hatched. Thatch removal is another beneficial lawn care task to help prevent these unwanted munchers. Insecticides can be used to control chinch bugs when they become a problem. It’s important to use products specifically labeled for chinch bug control and follow application instructions carefully.
Professional Lawn Pest Control near Melbourne
Because Florida lawns are especially vulnerable to chinch bug infestations, it may be smart to call in a professional for lawn pest control. In Melbourne, Florida, and surrounding areas, Pearce Lawn Care is here to help. Our pest control services can help protect your lawn from chinch bugs, armyworms, grubs, and other damaging lawn insects. In addition to pest management, we offer lawn care programs including fertilization and weed control, tree and shrub care, aeration, and more. Established in 1994, Pearce Lawn Care is a top choice for local lawn care in Melbourne, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Palm Bay, Satellite Beach, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to get a free quote.