Proper timing of insecticide treatments is one of the most critical elements for successful suppression of white grubs. Now through mid-August should be the optimum treatment times. Products labeled for white grub control include Diazinon, Dursban, Scotts Grub EX, and Bayer Season Long Grub Control. Chinch bugs may cause similar symptoms in the turf. Each wing bears a distinctive, triangular black mark.
Nymphs are wingless, yellow or pinkish red, with a light colored band across their backs.
To check for chinch bugs, mix 2 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing liquid detergent in a gallon of water and pour it evenly over a 1 square yard of affected turf. Within minutes the tiny chinch bugs, if present, will scurry about the turf. Take-All Patch will exhibit short, blackened and rotted root systems. The stolons may be completely dead or have lesions. Areas affected are irregular in shape and may be small to 20 feet in area.