Chinch Bugs

Chinch bugs can malign even the best of lawn care programs. There are many types of chinch bugs, although the hairy chinch bug is a specific species that is prevalent in the northeastern United States. They attack many types of grass including Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, perennial ryegrass, bentgrass, and zoysia.

Chinch bugs can cause extensive damage to your lawn, because they use piercing mouth parts to suck sap and inject toxins into the crowns and stems of grass plants. Because chinch bugs can fly, they also can be very difficult to prevent. Mid-summer through early fall is when your landscape is most at risk for damage from the bugs. Dry conditions promote their spread and make the damage more noticeable.

Identification and Management of Chinch Bugs

The key to quality insect management is to inspect your lawn regularly in order to identify and treat unwanted chinch bug populations early on. Adult chinch bugs are about the same size as a sesame seed – approximately 1/5” in length – and have flat black bodies with black and white wings. Your lawn care specialist may recommend a program that integrates both curative chinch bug treatments and preventive measures in order to maintain maximum pest control in your lawn. The lawn care specialists at SavaLawn, the lawn care division of SavATree, can accommodate your personal preferences to address chinch bug infestations.

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