Do Nematodes Kill Chinch Bugs?

Busy Pest Activity

• Using highly toxic salivary glands, chinch bugs cut into plant foliage, like grass blades, with their beaks to remove internal fluids. The physical damage to the grass is not as harmful as the saliva, however. Grass, and other foliage, begins to die back from these pierced areas, creating brown to yellow patches. Because they are cold-blooded, chinch bugs rely on full sunlight locations and sunny days for intense feeding in huge groups. If they continue to feed and reproduce in the spring and summer, without any controls, your garden becomes a decimated space as fall sets in.

The Lowdown on Nematodes

• Often purchased through the mail or at your local garden center, nematodes are effective against grubs and caterpillars, depending on the species. Preferably, mix the nematodes with water in a spray bottle. With your garden soil already moist, spray the nematode mixture directly on the ground in the evening. Periodically irrigate your garden afterward to keep the nematodes moist and plants watered. Any grubs or caterpillars in the area slowly die back from nematode activity. Although chinch bugs begin their life cycle as a nymph, nematodes do not affect their growth or numbers.

Predatory Insects and Fungi

• If available, look for insects that target chinch bugs specifically. Common garden visitors, like ants, spiders and wasps, feed on chinch bugs. Other predatory insects, like minute pirate (Xylocoris spp.) and big-eyed bugs (Geocoris spp.), prefer chinch bugs and remain a viable biological control for these damaging pests. Beauveria bassiana, a type of fungi, controls chinch bug damage as well. If you choose either insect or fungi control, verify with the seller that the chosen species works on chinch bugs. Professional companies have a complete listing matching pests to controls.

Bolstering Lawn Resilience

• Aerate your lawn to remove excessive thatch, or decomposing foliage and stems. Turfgrass, in particular, creates a perfect hiding space for chinch bug reproduction in thatch. Aeration involves removing 1- to 2-inch-long soil cores from the ground to increase moisture and oxygen to the grass roots. A lush lawn with reduced thatch creates an uncomfortable environment for chinch bugs and allows the turf to withstand some pest damage.