If you have dead brown spots on your lawn, the cause may be traced to chinch bugs. Chinch bugs are insects that tend to infest and feed on grass. Chinch bugs suck fluids from grass leaves by puncturing the surface with their small sharp beaks. The insects can be kept at bay by keeping your lawn watered and well maintained. Small infestations can by removed through simple procedures (such as raking and vacuuming the infected area) and the use of organic pesticides. Does this Spark an idea?
Neem Oil
Prepare a neem oil/water mixture. For the purpose of killing the bugs, a ratio of one ounce of neem oil to one gallon of water is effective. Spray the entire area with the mixture from a plastic spray bottle. This mixture will eradicate the bugs from the grass. Neem oil is indigenous to India, where it has long been used as a pest control. Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of neem trees and contains azadirachtin, a chemical that is toxic to most insects.
Beauveria
Beauveria is biological pesticide that kills a variety of insects including chinch bugs. Bugs do not need to ingest beauveria for it to be effective. Beauveria is a fungus that produces spores that attack the bugs through contact. Beauveria is typically available as a powder and is safe for people and animals.
Rotenone
Rotenone is produced by combining elements from the roots of more than 68 plants. Rotenone is toxic to chinch bugs, but is also toxic to fish, reptiles and pigs. Rotenone is only effective for a short time and may cause a skin rash and sinus problems. Pesticides containing rotenone are generally sold in powder form.
Pyrethrin
Pyrethrin is produced from the pyrethrum plant and is toxic to chinch bugs. This insecticide is stable and can last for a long time. Pyrethrin paralyzes the bugs, which causes them to die. Pyrethrin is not safe for use around small animals, such as dogs and cats. Pyrethrin is available in a spray or as a fogger.
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