Your North Dallas lawn is turning brown and dry in summer, even though you’ve been watering regularly. You’re smart to pay close attention – and find out what’s happening.
Is this drought stress – or something else entirely? While lack of adequate water may be the cause, the cause is more likely a chinch bug infestation (Blissus leucopterus). Hot, dry weather in July and August creates the ideal climate for these lawn pests to appear and thrive. Left untreated, these tiny insects can devastate your lawn in just a few weeks.
The good news? Your grass can recover if you act quickly and follow the proper steps, says Rick of CitiTurf.
First Things First: What Are Chinch Bugs?
Less than 1/4 inch long, chinch bugs are small, sap-sucking insects that feed on warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda and Zoysia. As they feed, they release a toxin that causes grass to yellow, dry out and eventually die.
They’re most active in the hot, dry summer weather that’s common in Plano, Allen, Frisco, McKinney and nearby areas. This is their peak-season.
How Chinch Bugs Damage Your Lawn
Chinch bugs are heat-seekers. They usually start in sunny, high-heat areas along sidewalks, driveways, patios and curbs where heat reflects off hard surfaces. Then they move on to the big, grassy expanse of your lawn. They feed near the base of the grass blades, slowly creating dry, brown patches that spread outward as they move across your lawn. At first, it’s easy to mistake this for underwatering, so you amp up your watering schedule. Until you see that the damage keeps spreading.
Signs You May Have Chinch Bugs
As the seasons change, your lawn changes, too. You might be dealing with chinch bugs if you notice:
- Grass turning yellow or brown despite regular watering
- Small patches that keep getting bigger
- Turf that feels dry and brittle, especially near pavement
- Tiny black insects (about pinhead-sized) when you part the grass
- Damage that’s worse in sunny areas, not shady ones
What to Do Next
Not sure what you’re seeing? It’s time for an expert pest control opinion. Chinch bugs spread fast, but early treatment makes all the difference. CitiTurf has over 20 years of experience in dealing with chinch bug and other lawn pests. Our approach is to identify the cause first, then treat the problem and help your lawn recover in our proven, three-step process.
CitiTurf’s Three-Step Process
Step 1: Stopping the Chinch Bugs
Before your lawn can heal, the chinch bug infestation has to be controlled. We use professional-grade treatments that eliminate these insects quickly and safely. Our licensed technicians inspect your lawn carefully, treat affected areas and insects at all their life stages and share guidance to help reduce future risks.
You may still see a few insects briefly after treatment. That’s normal, as the product continues working.
Step 2: Helping Your Grass Recover
Once the insects are under control, your lawn needs a little TLC to rebuild strong roots, healthy growth and overall resilience. CitiTurf can help with services such as fertilization, aeration and dethatching (if necessary).
Step 3: Prevent Chinch Bugs from Returning
Healthy lawns are naturally more resistant to pests. Brown patches on your lawn in summer don’t always mean your lawn needs more water. Understanding what’s happening below the surface is important – and calling CitiTurf early for diagnosis and treatment is critical to keeping your grass healthy and beautiful. Keep in mind that CitiTurf also offers year-round maintenance services, as well as seasonal care, for your lawn.
