Chinch Bug & Grub Identification & Prevention

Chinch bugs and grubs are two types of bugs that invade Cape Coral lawns and cause unsightly damage.

Below is a brief description of these lawn-damaging insects.

Chinch bugs adults have a dark red to black body that is less than ¼ inch long. They have white wings and a white dot on their back. Their nymphs are bright red and have a white band across the abdomen. Both the adults and nymphs produce a strong odor that is most noticeable when these pests are crushed, or a large population is present.

The term "grub" describes the larvae of several species of beetles. Grubs have distinctive white or cream bodies, brown heads, and C-shape. These pests live primarily out of our sight; therefore, the damage they cause to our lawns is typically the first indicator that a grub infestation is present. Reach out to us today for pest and lawn care services in Cape Coral!

Both chinch bugs and grubs are considered dangerous because of the large amount of damage they can cause to our lawns.

Chinch bugs use specialized sucking mouthparts to remove sap from grass or other plants. As they feed the crowns and stems of grass, they inject it with a toxin that prevents the plant from being able to transport water and nutrients from the soil.

Grubs live in the soil and feed on the root systems of grass and other plants. Patches of brown or wilted grass are signs that grubs may use your lawn as a place to feed. Additionally, many wild animals and birds like to eat grubs. They will dig up your lawn to feed on the grubs.

Both chinch bugs and grubs are on your property because it offers them food and appropriate places for the females to lay their eggs.

• Chinch bugs love to feed on turf grasses like St. Augustine grass. They will also feed on weeds and crops like wheat, rice, and corn.
• Grubs prefer to feed on grass, so properties with lush, healthy lawns are most attractive to these pests.

The simple fact is that our Cape Coral yards provide chinch bugs and grubs with the perfect place to call home. Florida's warm temperatures allow them to remain active throughout the year, making it difficult to control and prevent these pests.

Chinch bugs and grubs are most active in warm temperatures, making them a constant threat to yards and other open grassy areas like fields, golf sources, and parks.

In addition to damaged grass, signs of grubs on your lawn include:

• Your yard feels spongy as you walk across it.
• There is increased wildlife activity on your property.
• Grass is easily separated from the soil in a carpet-like fashion.

A main sign of chinch bug damage is that your lawn looks like it needs to be watered. If your yard has large patches of yellowed or dead grass that do not improve with watering, you may be dealing with chinch bugs.

If you are concerned that lawn-destroying pests have found their way to your property, immediately contact a professional that can accurately identify the pest and perform appropriate treatments to eliminate them.

When it comes to chinch bugs and grubs, being proactive and partnering with a lawn care specialist is best. Coastal Lawn and Pest offers lawn care and turf damage insect control to keep these pests from taking over your yard. Our services are designed to meet the unique needs of property owners living in Cape Coral and surrounding areas. We will work with you to determine which of our home lawn care & pest control services will offer the best results for your property. Contact us today and learn about our lawn pest control offerings.

Use the following helpful tips to prevent problems with chinch bugs and grubs on your Florida property:

• Don’t mow your lawn too short; beetles don’t like laying eggs in tall grass.
• Because chinch bugs prefer dry soil, don’t underwater your lawn. 
• Keep your lawn well fertilized. Healthy lawns are better equipped to defend themselves against lawn pests.

Call today and speak with one of our helpful experts for more information about these lawn pests, including how to control them.