How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

The false chinch bug is a small, light or dark gray species, 0.12 to 0.16 inch long. The nymphs are pale gray with a reddish brown abdomen that matches the color of dry weeds and soil. This species normally breeds and feeds in native grasslands where it multiplies in countless numbers.

DAMAGE

False chinch bugs attack crop plants when mass ground migration begins in late spring as foothills and grassy weed areas dry. Migration occurs during cool parts of day.

MANAGEMENT

Monitor areas adjacent to the field and treat migrating populations before they enter into the crop, if possible. Some control can be achieved by burning over or cultivating the adjoining grasslands and pastures. Frequent cultivation of the infested areas when the nymphs are swarming over the ground, as well as flooding or otherwise thorough irrigation are optional practices. Otherwise, treat field borders to stop further field migration and damage. Complete crop treatment is usually not necessary if potential problems are detected early.

Common name		Amount/Acre	R.E.I.+	P.H.I.+
(trade name)			(hours)	(days)
The following materials are listed in order of usefulness in an IPM program, taking into account efficacy, pesticide registrations, information related to natural enemies and honey bees, and environmental impact. Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read the label of the product being used.
A.	ENDOSULFAN*
	(Thionex) 50WP	1–2 lb	72	2
	(Thionex) 3EC	0.66–1.33 qt	48	2
	MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 2A
	COMMENTS: Apply in sufficient water for coverage. Repeat as necessary, but do not exceed 3 applications/year.
+	Restricted entry interval (R.E.I.) is the number of hours (unless otherwise noted) from treatment until the treated area can be safely entered without protective clothing. Preharvest interval (P.H.I.) is the number of days from treatment to harvest. In some cases the REI exceeds the PHI. The longer of two intervals is the minimum time that must elapse before harvest.
*	Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.
1	Rotate chemicals with a different mode-of-action Group number, and do not use products with the same mode-of-action Group number more than twice per season to help prevent the development of resistance. For example, the organophosphates have a Group number of 1B; chemicals with a 1B Group number should be alternated with chemicals that have a Group number other than 1B. Mode of action Group numbers are assigned by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee). For additional information, see their Web site at http://www.irac-online.org/.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
Insects and Mites
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial County
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
C. S. Stoddard, UC Cooperative Extension, Merced & Madera counties
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno County
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. B. LeBoeuf, AgriData Sensing, Inc., Fresno
M. Murray, UC Cooperative Extension, Colusa/Glenn counties

Top of page