It is every homeowner’s dream to have a luscious, vibrant green lawn; however, should you start finding dead patches despite regular water application, this is a warning of an unwanted guest – chinch bugs in the lawn. These miniature invaders are as small as 1/6th inch long. So, beware. Chinch bugs suck water out of grass blades and their stems, simultaneously delivering toxins, causing the killing effect. In warm, dry summers like those in Nova Scotia, chinch bugs thrive, spreading quickly and leaving behind brown, dry, and patchy lawns.
Chinch bug damage isn’t just about looks; it can seriously harm the lawn’s health. If left untreated, these pests can kill the grass in certain areas; thus, it is crucial to act as soon as possible when they are spotted. The good news? Chinch bug damage can be repaired! To restore your lawn, it is necessary to eliminate the bugs by dethatching, aerating, overseeding, and watering appropriately. This not only helps bring life back to the affected regions but also helps build a better and healthier turf that will not be easily infested again in the future.
In this guide, we will explain how to tell when you have chinch bugs, what they do to your lawn and the most effective ways to get rid of them and bring your grass back to life. Whether you have an infestation or are looking for ways to avoid one, the following tips will be helpful to you.
What Are Chinch Bugs and Why Are They a Problem?
Chinch bugs are small, shield-shaped insects that feed on the sap of plants, especially turfgrass. Although these pests are often associated with southern grass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues are more typical in Nova Scotia and are also attacked. Pests are most active in hot, dry weather, so they are most problematic in summer.
Lifecycle of Chinch Bugs:
- Chinch bugs spend the overwintering period in sheltered locations like thatch, mulch, and roadside grass.
- They emerge in late spring and begin feeding.
- Females lay up to 200 eggs, which hatch in a few weeks.
- The young nymphs are orange with a white stripe and grow into black and white-winged adults.
- The cycle repeats, resulting in rapid population growth and extreme chinch bug damage in lawns left untreated.
Early Signs of Chinch Bug Damage
Catching a chinch bug infestation early can save your lawn. Here’s what to look for:
- Patchy Brown Grass: The first sign of chinch bugs in the grass is usually dry, brown patches that resemble drought stress. However, unlike drought-affected areas, these patches do not recover even after watering.
- Grass Feels Brittle: Because chinch bugs in lawns suck the juices from grass blades, affected areas will feel dry and crispy to the touch.
- Expanding Damage: If left untreated, these brown patches will quickly expand outward, affecting large sections of your lawn.
- Check for Chinch Bugs: To verify their presence, use the tin can test:
- Cut both ends off a tin can.
- Press one end into the soil where green grass meets brown grass.
- Fill it with water and wait for 10 minutes.
- If chinch bugs are present, they will float to the surface.
How to Get Rid of Chinch Bugs
Quick action is required after identifying the infestation. Here is how to eliminate chinch bugs and reclaim your lawn:
1. Apply a Chinch Bug Insecticide
The best way to kill chinch bugs in the lawn is to use a chinchbug insecticide meant for that purpose. Insecticides that contain bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, or permethrin are known to control chinch bugs effectively.
Application Tips:
- Choose granular or liquid formulations.
- Spray in the early morning or late afternoon when chinch bugs are most active.
- Cover well, especially the infested areas, and along sidewalks and driveways where chinch bugs love to be
- If the infestation continues, change the type of insecticides to prevent resistance
2. Use Natural Remedies
For an eco-friendly approach, consider these natural chinch bug treatments:
- Neem Oil: A natural insecticide that disrupts the bug’s life cycle.
- Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic worms target and kill chinch bug larvae.
- Diatomaceous Earth: This powder dehydrates and kills chinch bugs on contact.
3. Improve Lawn Health to Prevent Future Infestations
A well-maintained lawn is your best defense against chinch bugs in the grass. Follow these steps to create an environment that discourages infestations:
- Regular Watering: Chinch bugs thrive in dry conditions, so keeping your lawn hydrated reduces their impact.
- Aerate Your Lawn: Lawn aeration improves soil drainage and reduces thatch, which is a prime hiding spot for chinch bugs.
- Dethatching: Remove excess thatch buildup to prevent chinch bugs from nesting and reproducing.
- Mow at the Right Height: Cutting grass too short weakens it and makes it more vulnerable. Keep it at an optimal height for your specific turf type.
- Fertilize Wisely: Overuse of nitrogen-rich fertilizers can attract chinch bugs in lawns, so use a slow-release formula in the summer months.
When to Call a Professional
If your DIY chinch bugs treatment is not working, it may be time to call in the professionals. Experts can provide specialized chinch bug insecticide treatments, aeration services, and ongoing maintenance to prevent future infestations.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with chinch bug damage requires proactive measures. Identifying these pests at an early stage and applying appropriate chinch bug treatment can make the grass green again. Choosing between chemical and natural treatments or lawn care habits will not work unless consistency and vigilance are exercised.
For professional help in Nova Scotia, contact Aeration Buddy. Our professional lawn care services include aeration, dethatching, and pest control, keeping your grass healthy all year long. Call today to reclaim your lawn from chinch bugs and enjoy your lush, green yard again!