Chinch bugs are destroying my lawn!!!Help!!!?

Question

I have already spreaded the pesticide a week ago,but I still see many!And my beautiful lawn is gone.Will it ever recover or I will have to resod?

I have Saint Augustine grass.

I know about proper lawn care and I do believe I have done my best.My question is not about preventing but what can I do now that the damage is done,actually keeps growing,even though I treated it on time!

Answer 1

Chinch bugs are attacked by many predatory insects. Repeated insecticide applications can reduce populations of beneficial organisms and actually lead to increased chinch bug numbers.

Control of chinch bugs starts with proper lawn care. Keep thatch to a minimum. Proper mowing helps to reduce thatch. Lawns generally should be mowed no less often than once a week. When thatch exceeds 1 inch in thickness, it may be necessary to dethatch or aeration. Over-application of fertilizer also contributes to thatch formation and makes lawns more attractive as a food source for chinch bugs. No more than 3 to 4 pounds of nitrogen (N) per 1,000 square feet should be applied each year to St. Augustinegrass growing in sunny locations. In shady sites no more than 2 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet each year.

Too little or too much water also can cause chinch bug problems. Chinch bugs prefer hot, dry environments. Dry weather enhances survival of chinch bug nymphs and eggs by reducing the incidence of disease. Also, drought-stressed lawns are more susceptible to chinch bug injury. On the other hand, over-watering results in saturated, oxygen-deprived soils that cannot sustain the microbes needed to decompose thatch.

In areas with habitual problems timing an insecticidal application with chinch bugs can be important. An early spring insecticide application will control the overwintering females and subsequent generations during the summer. Reinfestation may occur from adjacent areas, but this process is slow and may require an additional year or more. This adult treatment must be made before egg laying occurs.

Ortho Bug-B-Gon Max & Spectracide Triazicide Once & Done are granular products labeled for homeowner control of Chinch bugs. Other insecticides are labeled for control of chinch bugs as well, however several of theses products have restrictive labeling.

Organophosphates: Dursban, Triumph*, Oftanol*, Mainstay, and Diazinon* (cannot be applied to golf course turfgrass or sod farms)

Pyrethroids: Talstar, Astro and Tempo

Carbamates: Sevin and Turcam*

*Indicates restrictive labeling


Sometimes a population of insects can build resistance to a single pesticide. Do not use the same pesticide year after year. Use another pesticide that has a different mode of action on the targeted pest. Make sure that any insecticide you use is actually labeled for the control of Chinch bugs. Chinch bugs are not grubs. A grub control will have no effect on Chinch bugs. What was the product you used?

Chinch bugs damage grass plants by inserting their hollow, needle-like beaks into the stems, sucking the plant juices, and injecting chemicals into the plant which clog the vascular system. The area around the feeding puncture usually turns yellow. Damage appears as patches of dead or gradually yellowing grass, especially where heat is radiated into the grass from sidewalks or roadways. Once the grass turns brown, the turf will not recover.

Reseeding or renovation is usually necessary after moderate damage.

Answer 2

Healthy lawns can resist chinch bug. Mow your lawn no shorter than 3", water as needed putting down at least 1" of water at a time, fertilize spring and summer, aerate, leave clippings on.

Topdressing and overseeding will often be enough to recover the lawn. Overseed with a mixture of fescue, perennial rye grasses, avoid Kentucky blue which is chinch bug's favourite grass. Fescue and rye varietes that are labelled as "endophytic" have a natural fungus in them that makes them resistant to chinch and other bugs. Choose endophytic fescue and rye.

See the link below for more info.

Answer 3

Call in the professionals they maybe be able to save your lawn.

Answer 4

Oh..that grass is bad !!