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	P.H.I.+
(trade name)			(days)
When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating to water quality and impact on natural enemies and honey bees.
A.	ENDOSULFAN*
	(Thionex) 50WP	1–2 lb	2
	(Thionex) 3EC	0.66–1.33 qt	2
	MODE OF ACTION: An organochlorine (Group 2A)1 insecticide.
	COMMENTS: Apply in sufficient water for coverage. Repeat as necessary, but do not exceed 3 applications/year. Reentry 24 hours.
+	Preharvest interval. Do not apply within this many days of harvest.
*	Permit required from county agricultural commissioner for purchase or use.
1	Modes of action are important in preventing the development of resistance to pesticides. 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. 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 is 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
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno Co.
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial Co.
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin Co.
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to the insect and mite section:
J. B. LeBoeuf, AgriData Sensing, Inc., Fresno
M. Murray, UC Cooperative Extension, Colusa/Glenn counties

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