As a homeowner in Carrollton, you take pride in your St. Augustine or Bermuda grass. However, when the North Texas summer heat gives rise to brown patches, you might panic. Is it just the drought restrictions finally catching up, or is something much more problematic?
The thing is, drought stress and an infestation of Chinch Bugs can cause similar-looking damage. When you do not know how to distinguish one from the other, you could be wasting precious water on a pest problem that needs a whole other treatment.
But do not worry, Carrollton pest control company experts know Texas pests. You do not have to risk losing your lawn to misdiagnosis. If you see brown patches, call a reputable service for a professional inspection.
Identifying The First Culprit: Drought Stress (Water Deprivation)
Drought damage is the most common and easiest mistake to make. This happens when the grass lacks sufficient water, and it causes its root system to shut down. The first step is knowing what it looks like.
First of all, the color of the grass starts turning dull and bluish-gray. Eventually, it turns straw yellow and the blade curls inward, trying to conserve moisture.
The damage is not within one small area; it is widespread. It typically appears first on slopes, raised beds, or near sidewalks and driveways, as these areas heat up faster and dry out quickest.
The simplest way to find out is the “Footprint Test.” If you walk across the stressed area, your footprints will remain pressed down for a long time. On the other hand, healthy and well-hydrated grass springs back quickly.
Understanding Culprit Number 2: The Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are small, black-colored insects. They have distinctive diamond-shaped markings on their wings. They have piercing mouthparts to suck fluids out of grass blades, and then they inject a toxin that kills the plant.
The damaged patches from Chinch bugs look different than water deprivation. They start small and are circular. Initially, they are yellow, but they turn brown and actively expand outward in irregular shapes.
You will find these spots in the hottest and driest spots, such as along concrete foundations, sidewalks, and driveways. The patches are almost always bordered by a bright yellow or red band of dying grass.
Chinch bugs are active from late spring through fall. However, the damage becomes most visible during the hot and dry spells of a Carrollton summer when they breed most rapidly.
Try This Simple DIY Test
The easiest way to find out whether you have a chinch bug problem is by doing a simple check for the pests themselves.
This test is known as the Immersion Test. Try these simple steps:
- Take a metal can (like a coffee can) and remove both ends.
- Push the can 2-3 inches down into the soil on the edge of a damaged patch (where the brown grass meets the green grass).
- Fill the can completely with water and allow it to stand undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes.
- The water will force any hidden chinch bugs up to the surface, where you can see them floating.
There is another method that you can try. This one is called the Patting Test, and is a simpler one.
- Kneel down near the edge of a damaged area.
- Spread the grass blades apart and look closely at the soil surface and the base of the grass stems.
- Gently pat the area with your hand or rub the surface. If tiny bugs start crawling around in a few seconds or minutes, you have found the chinch bugs.
Professional Intervention Is the Smartest Move
Chinch bugs require specific insecticide treatments. The skilled team at Romney Pest Control can provide guaranteed solutions for common Texas pests like these. Stop chinch bugs in their tracks today!
