Chinch Bug Identification, Life Cycle, Signs, Damage, Bites & Treatment in Weirsdale, FL

Chinch bugs are tiny little terrors that can do serious and massive damage to your lawn. For a bug only being 1/6 of an inch in size they can destroy an entire lawn by sucking the grass blades dry and injecting toxins into your lawn at the same time. August being the peak of the summer season, the chinch bug is at the height of population and destruction. The question is, is your lawn currently invaded by or protected from these summer lawn invaders? Pest 911 will share a few signs or symptoms that tell you your lawn may be under siege by chinch bugs and how to protect your lawns from them.

Signs of Chinch Bugs

Chinch bug lawn damage looks a lot like drought stress. If you’re regularly fertilizing or feeding your lawn, watering it correctly, and your lawn is showing signs of drought nonetheless, it is most likely chinch bugs. If you have spotted a section of grass that’s yellowing, dried up and crispy, get down and take a closer look. You can even see nymph chinch bugs with a naked eye. Younger chinch bugs are a light red or orange with a white stripe on their abdomen. As they mature, adult chinch bugs will turn black and have white markings on their back; typically between their wings.

Chinch Bug Identification

Here is a step by step “trick” you can do to confirm the presence of chinch bugs if you don’t seem to see them visually.
Step 1. Get a tin can, and cut both ends off.
Step 2. Push or hammer one end of the ground into the areas that are yellow and meet the green part of the grass.
Step 3. With the can partly in the ground, pour water into the can until you cover the top of the grass.
Step 4. After ten minutes or so go check inside the can, you may need a flashlight. If the chinch bug is present, you will see them floating in the water. You can do this in different areas of your lawn that appears to be showing signs of chinch bug damage.

Prevention of Chinch Bugs

To prevent chinch bugs, follow some of these basic tips. For starters, mow your lawn at the maximum height for a healthy lawn. Too short can stress the grass leaving it weak against pests. Make sure to fertilize your lawn. However over fertilizing can also be a problem. Too much nitrogen will draw more chinch bugs. Additionally, you will want to aerate your soil. Finally, make sure you water your lawn properly, especially during the hottest time of the year.

Lawn Pest Control

After you have followed and applied these few basic tips, seek the aid of a lawn care pest control company. Pest 911 provides lawn care services. We will care for your lawn’s nutritional needs and at the same time fight against lawn damaging pests. If your lawn is under invasion of lawn damaging pests, contact Pest 911 right away. Pest 911 is prepared to combat lawns as well as homes from invading pests. For all of your pest eliminating needs, contact us today.