Heavy thatch accumulation provides an ideal environment for these insects. Thatch also interferes with delivery of insecticides to the insects. The next step to management of turfgrass pests is early detection . This is the weakest link in pest management programs for lawns as most insects go unnoticed until after their damage is observed. Two techniques useful in detection and monitoring insects in turf grasses include floatation and irritation.
Floatation uses water to detect the presence of chinch bugs.
Remove the bottom from an oil can, coffee can, or similar container. Push the can two to three inches into the turf in an area of suspected chinch bug infestation. Fill the can with water and hold the water level above the grass by adding additional water for about five minutes. If chinch bugs are present they will float to the top. The irritation method is particularly useful in detection and monitoring of mole crickets, cutworms, armyworms or sod webworm infestations.