When it comes to lawn care, ensuring that pests are not present is crucial. If you want a healthy lawn, you need to assess the severity of any bug infestation you may have and properly eradicate them as some insects can do major damage to your grass. Unfortunately, a common problem in lawns is chinch bugs, and when found, action needs to be taken.

What are Chinch Bugs?

Chinch bugs are about ¼ of an inch long and can be found by the crowns or thatch of your grass. They use their sharp mandibles to puncture the blades of grass on your lawn to suck out the sap. In doing so, they also inject the grass with poison. This kills your lawn over time and leaves you with patches of dead grass as they take over.

Dealing with Chinch Bugs

If you have chinch bugs; your turf may look similar to grass during a drought. The turf will begin to wither away as they dry out. You will also notice discoloration in your grass as the blades turn a distinct yellow-brown.

If you notice these symptoms on your lawn, you can ensure that it is due to chinch bugs through two different inspection methods:

1. Searching Manually – Though chinch bugs are small, you can still see them with the naked eye. Spreading the turf yourself can allow you to catch them scurrying around the affected area.
2. The Drench Test – Cut off the ends of a tin can and place it on your grass. Fill it up with ¾ of water and continue to add water to keep the water level content. You will notice the bugs float up to the surface after about ten minutes. Once this happens, count them. If you find more than a few insects per square foot, then treatment is necessary.

Protect Your Lawn

At Heron Home & Outdoor, we understand the importance in keeping your lawn pest free and safe. A healthy lawn is crucial to any home which is why we offer six comprehensive treatments a year and straightforward pricing for the best protection. Contact us today for your free same-day inspection.