As we have already said, the only way to deal with chinch bugs is to get an application down ASAP.
But what if your lawn service cant get your scheduled for a few days? Or maybe you can’t get out there and do your application until this weekend…
There are a few things you can do to slow them down and minimize the damage in the mean time…
First, crank up your water. I know…in another video I said DON’T crank up your water if you have chinch bugs! What I was referring to then was mistaking chinch bug damage for a lack of water, and turning up your sprinklers as a result.
Increased watering, however, will slow down the spreading of chinch bugs and minimize damage. Chinch bugs like hot, dry conditions. When the ground is wet, they will go inactive until it dries out. While it is impossible (and a very bad idea) to keep your lawn wet 24/7, running and extra cycle during the day (only for a few days) can help slow chinch bugs down when they are most active.
Secondly, skip a mow! (I know, I’m contradicting myself left and right!)
Mowing a chinch bug infested lawn is one of the best ways to HELP them spread as fast as they can! You don’t want that, so this would be one of the only times we recommend skipping a mow. Remember this is only until you can get an application down, then its back to weekly mowing!
Lastly, if your damage is only in a small area and has yet to spread, you can get a tarp, sheet or blanket to cover the area. Chinch bugs are active in full sun, so covering the area will really help slow them down.
Please remember…NONE of these things are a permanent fix! All they do is slow down the damage. If you have chinch bugs, you HAVE to get an application down to kill them ASAP!
