Pest
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are small black-and-white insects (about 1/5 inch long) that feed on St. Augustine grass in Central Florida by sucking moisture from the blades and injecting a toxic saliva that kills the grass. They thrive in hot, dry weather and are most damaging from late spring through early fall.
Signs of chinch bugs
- Yellow or brown patches that spread outward, often near sidewalks and driveways
- Damage that looks like drought but does not improve with watering
- Small black or reddish insects visible at the soil line when grass is parted
Damage
Chinch bug damage is frequently mistaken for drought stress. Watering more makes it worse because the moisture stresses the surviving grass while the bugs continue feeding. Untreated infestations can destroy entire lawns within a few weeks during peak season, requiring expensive sod replacement.
Treatment
Preventative insecticide treatment timed for late spring is far more effective than waiting for visible damage. Once an infestation is identified, a curative spray combined with thorough watering helps the surviving turf recover.
Quick answers
About chinch bugs
What are chinch bugs?
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Chinch bugs are small black-and-white insects (about 1/5 inch long) that feed on St. Augustine grass in Central Florida by sucking moisture from the blades and injecting a toxic saliva that kills the grass. They thrive in hot, dry weather and are most damaging from late spring through early fall.
What damage do chinch bugs cause?
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Chinch bug damage is frequently mistaken for drought stress. Watering more makes it worse because the moisture stresses the surviving grass while the bugs continue feeding. Untreated infestations can destroy entire lawns within a few weeks during peak season, requiring expensive sod replacement.
How do you treat chinch bugs?
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Preventative insecticide treatment timed for late spring is far more effective than waiting for visible damage. Once an infestation is identified, a curative spray combined with thorough watering helps the surviving turf recover.
Spotted chinch bugs in your yard?
Free inspection and estimate—catch it before it spreads.