Checking for Chinch Bugs

• There are a couple of ways to check for chinch bugs. On sunny days, slowly slide your foot through the area that you believe is infested. If chinch bugs are present, they will crawl across your shoe. You can also take a large coffee can or gallon can with the top and bottom removed, place one end about two to three inches into the soil and fill with soapy water. After about five minutes, if there are any chinch bugs present, they will float to the surface.
  
  

Controlling Chinch Bugs

• According to the University of Rhode Island, studies done in Michigan have shown lawns that receive adequate amounts of water throughout the summer are able to withstand a chinch bug infestation without any damage. Chinch bugs are a sun-loving insect that rarely attaches to grass that is in a dense, shady area. Many lawns also have a natural population of predators that feed on the chinch bug. Ground beetles, or "big eyed bugs," help in keeping the chinch bug population from getting out of hand. While using an insecticide may be an option, it will sometimes have an adverse effect on these predators and will allow the chinch bug infestation to develop more rapidly. By keeping the lawn well-watered--preferably with weekly deep watering--and by not killing off the natural chinch bug enemy, the lawn will largely take care of itself and eliminate the problem.