Learn about Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs cause serious damage in the thick turf of lawns and golf courses. Dying or dead areas of a lawn can signal the presence of this pest. Dry seasons seem to favor its spread and make its damage more noticeable. Chinch bugs tend to be more of a problem in southern Maine.
Description & Biology
The chinch bug generally produces two generations per year after over-wintering in the adult stage in rubbish, crevices and thatch. The insect mates early in the season when the temperature reaches 70°F. The female lays eggs on roots, stems and leaves over a two to three week period. One female can lay as many as 500 eggs.
The newly hatched bugs–tiny, wingless, bright red nymphs– feed by sucking juices from roots near or at the ground surface. The young bugs turn black as they rapidly grow larger. After 40 to 50 days of voracious feeding, they reach the mature stage and develop wings. The adult chinch bug is shaped like a flattened black and white capsule and is capable of flight. It is about 1/5 inch. Adults of the first brood usually move to a new area before mating and egg laying.
Chinch bugs do the greatest damage from mid-summer to early fall. The first generation starts to die in early fall. The second generation hibernates at the approach of cold weather in matted clippings and debris, or in loose soil near the root zone.
Florida Pest Control & Lawn Care Company
Problem Solved Pest Control is a second generation, locally owned and operated lawn care company. We provide excellent lawn care and lawn care service in Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties, Problem Solved Pest Control’s mission is to be the leader in quality service, treat our customers and employees with trust and honesty, and ultimately be recognized as the best lawn care company in southwest Florida, from Sarasota to Fort Myers, Florida.
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Free Pest & Lawn Analysis
The services we offer are not only efficient, but also very prompt. With Problem Solved’s programs of lawn care, Sarasota County property owners can benefit from round-the-clock services, including Saturdays, so if you notice any insects, bugs or rodents on your property, don’t hesitate: call us and we will schedule an inspection within 24 hours.
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