Chinch Bug Treatment in the Cayman Islands

Chinch bugs are major pests of turf grasses. They pierce grass blades with their mouthparts and then suck out vital plant juices. As they do, they release a substance that blocks the plant's vascular system and prevents it from drawing up moisture and nutrients it needs; grass dies as a result.

Identification: Chinch bugs are small insects measuring about 1/8 to 1/4 in length, depending on the species. Common chinch bugs have black bodies with white front wings and a distinctive hourglass shape on their backs. Immature stages of the bugs are reddish and wingless, but they resemble the adults. Use a magnifying glass to examine your lawn's thatch layer; you can see chinch bugs easily.

Signs/Damage: The first hints of chinch bug damage are large, scattered, irregular patches of lawn grass that begin to turn yellow and brown. Damage is most apparent in sunny locations during hot summer months, when it's often mistaken for drought. However, grass won't respond to irrigation, the patches expand, and grass eventually dies. Chinch bug-damaged grass may have a purplish tint. Corn damaged by chinch bugs takes on the same reddish- purple hue. Young plants may be killed or stunted.

Tips:  

• Practice good lawn maintenance and dethatch your lawn regularly to eliminate the heavy thatch layer where adult chinch bugs overwinter and lay their eggs.
• Treat lawns proactively early in the season to kill chinch bugs before damage occurs and the pests multiply.
• Contact your Pestkil for professional help.