Before we discuss the symptoms of a chinch bug infestation, let's take a look at what they are and how they get their name. Chinch bugs belong to the family Blissidae and are members of the order Hemiptera. They are closely related to other members of the family, including B. insularis. This article will explain all of these aspects and more.
Symptoms
The first Chinch Bug symptom to look for is a discolored patch of grass on your lawn. While chinch bugs are not very visible, they do give off a foul odor when crushed. If you notice a strong odour in your lawn, you probably have a large infestation of these insects. While chinch bugs are often afraid of light, they hide in cracks and crevices in the soil. Using a tin can, insert it into the grass at the point where green grass meets yellow-brown turf. Leave it for five to 10 minutes, and they will likely float to the surface.
Life cycle
The true chinch bug is Blissus leucopterus. It is a member of the family Blissidae in the order Hemiptera. It is closely related to B. insularis. While the true chinch bug is not a common pest, it is still an important part of the blight control community. Here's a look at its life cycle.
Insecticides
Pesticides for chinch bugs are available in both systemic and contact-toxic forms. Systemic insecticides are more effective at controlling these pests because they are not subjected to physical contact. Instead, they are ingested during feeding. This method also poses less risk to the natural enemies of chinch bugs. Because systemic insecticides work at a cellular level, the risk of the pesticides' effect on the natural enemies of the insects is much lower.
Natural enemies
A number of natural enemies of chinch bugs are beneficial predators of this pest. These creatures are native to the United States and are most active in hot summer months. They feed on cultivated grasses that have experienced drought periods. These bugs have large, oval eyes that pierce the surrounding plant tissue. If you see chinch bugs, it is likely that they are feeding on your lawn. However, you can get rid of them yourself by following a few simple steps.
Damage chinch bugs cause to lawns
If you notice a small patch of brown or brownish patches on your lawn, chances are it is caused by chinch bugs. You can tell when chinch bugs are causing damage to your lawn by observing the appearance of these patches, which appear in irregular patches. If you cannot identify these patches, you can send samples of your lawn to your local extension office for diagnosis. In addition, the insects' damage is easy to distinguish from the appearance of drought or winter frost damage, so it is best to compare samples. If you suspect chinch bugs, it is important to hire a New Smyrna Beach pest control company.