Chinch bugs are little insects that can cause major damage to your lawn. While there are many different species of these pests, the southern chinch bug is most prevalent in the Sarasota, FL, area. These insects love to feed on warm-season turf like St. Augustine grass and zoysia grass. Left alone, chinch bugs will devour your lawn and leave it filled with patches of yellow or brown turf. If you think that your lawn has sustained chinch bug damage, then you should quickly contact a professional lawn care company that offers chinch bug control treatments. Time is of the essence when dealing with these destructive pests! To learn more about them, continue reading this blog.
What are chinch bugs?
Chinch bugs are small lawn insects that take up residence at properties across the country. There are many types of chinch bugs, but the one most commonly found in the Sarasota, FL, area is the southern chinch bug. Don't let its name fool you. Just because it is from the south doesn't mean this chinch bug understands southern hospitality. In fact, the opposite is true.
Southern chinch bugs like to overstay their welcome on your property, eat your grass, and, if left to their own devices, destroy wide swaths of your lush lawn. They have a particular affinity for St. Augustine grass but will settle for zoysia grass if that is the only option. Infamously, they are considered to be one of the most destructive lawn insects in Florida.
Chinch bugs aren't easy to get rid of, either. Oftentimes, multiple insecticide applications are required to eliminate their population completely. Another challenge chinch bugs pose is that they can be difficult to spot. Although they are an orange color when they are young, they are almost microscopic in size and grow to be less than a quarter of an inch in length as adults.
Adult chinch bugs are black with orange legs and white wings.
What does chinch bug damage look like?
Chinch bug damage isn't pretty to look at. A lawn that has fallen victim to these hungry insects will have irregularly shaped patches of yellow or brown turf. In some cases, the grass may be completely dead. Chinch bug damage typically occurs first in areas that don't get enough water and are exposed to excessive sunlight. It is most frequently spotted when the weather is warm, which means damage can occur nearly year-round in Florida.
What should you do if you think your lawn has chinch bugs?
Chinch bugs are not an insect to mess around with. They can cause extensive damage that deteriorates your lawn's health, ruins your property's curb appeal, and warrants costly repairs. If you think your lawn has been affected by chinch bugs, then you need to take action immediately. A good place to start is by calling a local company that offers professional lawn care services, including lawn insect control treatments. A reputable lawn care company will be able to evaluate your lawn, diagnose the issue, and prescribe a treatment plan that eliminates chinch bugs while getting your turf on the path to restoration.
Call today to schedule our chinch bug control treatments!
Do you suspect that chinch bugs are at work on your property? If so, then our team can help you eliminate them. At Tropical Gardens Landscape, we offer professional chinch bug control treatments to homes and businesses in Sarasota, FL, and nearby areas such as Siesta Key and Longboat Key. Our lawn care experts possess the knowledge and experience to identify chinch bug damage and eradicate these pests from your property. Don't let these pests continue to terrorize your turf. Call us today at (941) 993-2442 to schedule a consultation!
