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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Turfgrass
Plant Bugs
Scientific Names:
False chinch bug: Nysius spp.
Weed bug: Arrhyssus crassus
White-marked fleahopper: Spanogonicus albofasciatus
(Reviewed 6/03,
updated 6/03)
In this Guideline:
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PESTS
Plant bugs are sucking insects. The anterior portion of their forewings is
leathery and the posterior portion is membranous. The false chinch bug and weed
bug are occasional nuisance pests. Both species are a pale gray color as adults
and nymphs and feed on weedy hosts; the false chinch bug is just under 0.25
inch, while the weed bug is just over 0.25 inch. When winter rains permit heavy
growth of vegetation, these bug populations build up to large numbers. Later,
as the vegetation dries down, the bugs migrate from the wild hosts and invade
residential areas, including lawns and houses.
White-marked fleahopper adults are
about 0.125 inch long, blackish or grayish, and have white markings on the
wings, which are folded over the back. Their long antennae, white markings,
larger size, and sucking mouthparts distinguish them from flea beetles.
Fleahoppers can be observed by running your hand over the turfgrass or
dichondra lawn. If they are present, they will hop about; some will land on the
hand or sidewalks where they can be observed more readily.
SUSCEPTIBLE SPECIES
All turfgrass species and dichondra.
DAMAGE
Outbreaks of plant bugs are not common, but when they do occur, they can be
damaging to turfgrass. All species of plant bugs feed via sucking mouthparts,
so damaging populations can be expected to cause yellowing and stunting of the
turf. Turfgrass is sometimes treated to prevent false chinch bugs and weed bugs
from migrating into dwellings.
MANAGEMENT
Treat for plant bugs if populations are high enough that damage may occur.
| Common name |
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| (trade name) |
Amount/1000 sq ft**
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Many of these products are available for use by licensed applicators only and cannot be used by home gardeners.
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| A. |
ACEPHATE |
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(Orthene Turf, Tree, and |
1.2-2.4 oz |
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Ornamental Spray) |
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COMMENTS: For use on golf courses and sod
farms only. Odorous. |
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| B. |
CARBARYL* |
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(Sevin) 80WSP |
4.4-6 fl oz |
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| C. |
CHLORPYRIFOS |
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(Dursban Pro) |
1.5 fl oz |
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(Dursban) 50W WSP* |
0.75 oz |
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COMMENTS: For use in turfgrass production
and on golf courses only. This product is highly toxic to birds and
aquatic invertebrates. State and federal agencies have determined
that waterways have been impaired by the use of this material. Do
not apply in such a manner that it will get into storm water drains. |
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| D. |
CYFLUTHRIN* |
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(Tempo) 20WP |
0.25 oz (7 grams) |
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| ** |
Apply in 2-5 gal water/1000 sq ft |
| * |
Permit required from county agricultural commissioner
for purchase or use. |
![[Precautions]](/IMAGES/btn-precautions_bul.gif)
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UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Turfgrass
UC ANR Publication 3365-T
Insects and Mites
H. S. Costa, Entomology, UC Riverside
R. S. Cowles, Entomology, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Windsor, CT
M. A. Harivandi, UC Cooperative Extension, Alameda Co.
J. Hartin, UC Cooperative Extension, San Bernardino Co.
H. K. Kaya, Nematology, UC Davis
Acknowledgment for contributions to the insect and mite section:
K. Kido, Entomology, UC Riverside
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