Chinchbugs, scale, mealybugs, thrips, caterpillars, sod webworms, etc. are on the prowl. Co-exist with them unless damage gets to unacceptable levels. Chinchbugs can be detected by pouring soapy water where good and bad grass meet. After pouring the water, observe the grass for a few minutes. Chinchbugs and other insects will come to the surface.
Adults are small black insects with white patches on the wings.
Use Dursban around the bad grass patch in a band about 4 feet wide. Citrus, croton, avocado and mango are susceptible to spider mites and thrips . Discourage them with a strong jet of water from a hose directed to the undersides of the leaves. Hibiscus, citrus, palms, gardenia and ixora are susceptible to scale and mealybug . But when a tree grows into power lines, the electric company.