Where chinch bugs are suspected, part the grass at the edge of the affected areas and examine the soil and base of the turf. Check in several places. An approximate treatment threshold is 20-25 chinch bugs per square foot. If the problem is localized, spot treatment of off-color turf and around the perimeter of the affected spot is appropriate and preferred. Insecticides may be used in granular or liquid formulations applied with hose-end sprayers.
Compounds containing the following chemicals are good for homeowners.
The approximate threshold at which damage is first noticed is 20-25 chinch bugs per square foot. Visual examination or the flotation method may be used. For the flotation method, force one end of a six-inch diameter coffee can with both ends removed, into to the turf. Fill the can with water for ten minutes. Treatment threshold is 4-5 chinch bugs per can.