Symptoms
Chinch bugs only attack grass growing in sunny areas. They will not touch shady areas. This is so much the case that you can see the patterns of destruction that precisely align with the sunny spots in a lawn. So be on the lookout for damage in sunny areas especially near sidewalks, driveways and streets since these areas radiate the most heat.
The first sign of chinch bug damage is grass that looks wilted even after recent watering or rain. If your grass looks wilted on the same day you’ve watered it or the very next day, it’s a safe bet you have chinch bugs. During the next and final stage your grass will begin to turn yellow and eventually straw-colored brown. Once the affected area reaches that point, it is dead.
In the initial phase of damage, chinch bugs are often mistaken for drought stress because of the wilted appearance. There are also some diseases that mimic chinch bug damage such as take-all patch, which also commonly affects St. Augustine. In that case the grass will sometimes turn yellow and die out; however, it usually forms a circular or semi-circular pattern, as opposed to the irregular shaped patterns in the sunny areas of your yard.
If you would like a preventative treatment quote for chinch bugs, please call or text Rosalyn with Lawn Doctor of Cypress at (713) 742-2966. The chinch bugs preventative treatment will be 3 applications that will occur in May, July and September.
Lawn Doctor of Cypress
office # 713.866.4019
email: group1109@lawndoctor.com
