Question of the Week – Number 2: October 1, 2020

“Why does my St. Augustine look so bad? What can I do to get it to bounce back?”

• These lawns have been ravaged by chinch bugs, and it most likely happened in late July, August or into early September.

• It is very unlikely that you will be able to find active chinch bugs in the lawn now.

• They are BB-sized black insects that will always show up in the hottest, sunniest parts of your yard, often against fences, patios, drives or sidewalks where sunlight can be reflected.

• The grass will appear to be wilted, but irrigation will not help it bounce back.

• Soon it will brown and start to die.

• At this point, however, no further damage will be done since the weather is turning cooler.

• Areas with dead grass will probably have to be resodded in April.

• Just make note of the damage and locations and be sure you keep your eye on them next summer so that you can stay ahead of the pests.