We’re toughing out the hottest part of the summer in South Louisiana, and so are our lawns. Brown patches are forming here and there. Are they caused by drought stress? Maybe. Maybe not. Chinch bugs love hot weather. These pests latch onto tender turfgrass shoots and suck the water and nutrients right out of them resulting in dead spots reminiscent of drought.
Each year, chinch bugs develop two adult generations from nymphs. The first generation arises from eggs laid the previous year that have lain dormant through the winter. As soon as the first generation reaches maturity, they lay a second generation of eggs that hatch and mature through the summer, feasting on our lawns as they grow. This generation thrives when turfgrass, especially St. Augustine, is most vulnerable to Louisiana’s broiling hot summers. And watering your lawn won’t help.
The most effective way to rid your lawn of chinch bugs is to treat it with a surface application of liquid insecticides. But this can be a tricky time for applying herbicides, insecticides, or fertilizers. According to Dr. Tom Koske at the LSU Ag Center, some turfgrasses may be unable to withstand such applications if they are already undergoing drought stress, a common summertime occurrence. Further, if the soil is dry, Dr. Koske explains, the roots of turfgrasses and weeds alike may go dormant rendering chemical treatments ineffective. Treatment for chinch bugs, however, is a possible exception because chinch bugs are more active (and more susceptible to extermination) when the sun is at its hottest.
This is a tough time of year for your lawn and choosing the right treatment at the right time is critical. If you simply want to learn more about proper watering techniques, we’ve got you covered in our blog article: Tips and Techniques for Watering Your Lawn. But if your lawn has discolored patches despite proper watering, then chinch bug treatment might be necessary. The professionals at Green Grass Chemical Lawn Care can help. Treatment for chinch bugs starts as low as $49.95, and one application will get you through the rest of the summer. Why wait until your lawn needs costly sod replacements? Call us today at (985) 863-8200 or send an email to info@greengrasslawncareinc.com for more information.
Mention our promotion code “CB1” for a 20% discount on a professional chinch bug treatment!
