Hobbies And Interests
Description
Chinch bugs have black bodies, which are nearly 3/16 inch long. In their adult stage they have fully functional wings, which are frosty white with distinctive triangular black markings. However, during their nymph, or newly-hatched stage, they are red with light, white bands across their bodies. As they mature they molt five times and gradually change from red to orange to black.
Food Source
Chinch bugs are a threat to corn fields, but corn is by no means their only food source. Actually, corn is only a primary source of food for chinch bugs during dry seasons when other favorite food supplies are in short demand. Chinch bugs enjoy a wide variety of grasses, such as St. Augustine grass, centipede grass, bermuda grass, zoysia grass and sorghum.
Cycle
The entire life cycle of chinch bugs can occur within six weeks. Fertilized female chinch bugs lay their eggs singly around host plants. After two weeks, wingless nymphs hatch and develop into fully developed adults in 30 days. Up to five generations of a chinch bugs can be born in one year.
Risk
Chinch bugs are only a risk to farmers if they reach high enough concentrations in a crop. A crop that has over 100 chinch bugs per plant has a severe infestation and may start to wilt and show further signs of stress. Chinch bugs do not, however, present any medical risk to humans.
Control
Farmers can treat crops infested with chinch bugs with Lorsban 4E, 1 to 2 pints per acre; Sevin, up to 2 lb. per acre, and Warrior 1CS, 3.84 fluid ounces per acre. However, these insecticides are highly toxic and must only be used by certified technicians.