Michelle writes
I have a cinch bug problem that has crippled my beautiful st. augustine lawn. We were about to resod, then I saw this. Will it work and if so will the grass grow back?
Talstar granules are one of the most effective chinch bug treatments on the market. Chinch bugs infest the base of grass plants and are often found in the thatch layer. Irrigate the treated area with up to 0.25 inches of water immediately after application to activate (release from the granule) the insecticide. Chinch bugs can be one of the most difficult pests to control in grasses and the higher applications rates will be required to control populations that contain both nymphs and adults during the summer. It may also be necessary to remove the thatch layer if it exceeds 1 inch in thickness to allow the Talstar to penetrate down to the soil. If you have a few small spots the St. Augustine runners might fill it in this season (of course water, fertilizer, and lots of sunshine helps). If large portions of the lawn were damaged it will likely be late spring or later of next year before the lawn recovers. Very heavily damaged areas may need to be resodded.
Answer last updated on: 04/07/2010
