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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Turfgrass
Southern Chinch Bug
Scientific Name: Blissus insularis
(Reviewed 6/03,
updated 6/03)
In this Guideline:
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST
Southern chinch bug adults are black with whitish wings that fold flat over
their body. They are about 0.125 inch (0.3 cm) long. Both long- and
short-winged adult forms may be present. Early instar nymphs are bright red but
darken to black by the last instar. There are several generations a year, with
all life stages present during summer; populations tend to be highest when
temperatures are above 90°F. All life stages usually reside in the
turfgrass crown and the thatch, but can also be observed at the border between
damaged and healthy grass. Big-eyed bugs, which are beneficial predators, are
similar in appearance to chinch bugs but their large eyes, which are the widest
part of their body, distinguish them from chinch bugs.
SUSCEPTIBLE SPECIES
Although bermudagrass, buffalograss, and zoysiagrass are fed upon, only St.
Augustinegrass is seriously damaged in California.
DAMAGE
Chinch bugs are active from April through October, especially in full sun.
Southern chinch bugs suck sap from nodes and and crown of the turfgrass.
Yellowish to brownish patches result.
MANAGEMENT
When southern chinch bug occurs in turfgrass, it is useful to dethatch the
turfgrass, decrease fertilizer rates and maintain adequate moisture. Usually
only St. Augustinegrass is significantly damaged by this pest. Treatment may be
required if monitoring indicates a need.
Biological Control
Bigeyed bugs, ants, and the
fungal insect pathogen Beauveria bassiana are the most important
natural enemies of chinch bugs. Maintaining moist conditions favors development
of Beauveria.
Cultural Control
If St. Augustinegrass is desirable, select resistant varieties such as
Floralawn, Floratam, or FX-10. Thatch removal is important for eliminating
conditions favorable for chinch bug survival. Applying the low end of
recommended nitrogen slows chinch bug reproduction. Maintaining adequate
moisture will increase the tolerance to chinch bug feeding and promotes
beneficial fungi that attach chinch bugs.
Monitoring and Treatment Decisions
Use the flotation method or drench test to determine chinch bug presence and
population level. For the flotation method, take a 6-inch diameter coffee can,
remove top and bottom, and set it 2 to 3 inches into the turfgrass. Fill it
with water and wait for 5 to 10 minutes for bugs to float to the surface. The
drench test is described in the section on MONITORING under
GENERAL INFORMATION. Treat when combined nymph and
adult counts average at least 3 per coffee can sample, or 135 per square yard.
Mow the lawn and irrigate before treating. After treatment, do not mow or
irrigate for at least 24 hours.
| 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.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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| E. |
DELTAMETHRIN |
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(DeltaGard T & O) 5SC |
0.6-0.9 fl oz
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COMMENTS: Not for use on sod farms or in commercial seed
production. |
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| F. |
PERMETHRIN |
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(Astro, Permethrin Pro) |
0.4-0.8 fl oz
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COMMENTS: Apply using sufficient water to provide adequate
coverage. |
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| ** |
Apply in 10-25 gal water/1000 sq ft |
| * |
Permit required from county agricultural commissioner
for purchase or use. |
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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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