Mailing Address:
PO Box 26
Niagara, WI 54151
Copyright 2026 Clean Kill Pest Control LLC.
Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin
COUNTIES SERVICED
MICHIGAN AND WISCONSIN
Alger County
Brown County
Delta County
Luce County
Mackinac County
Marinette County
Marquette County
Menominee Counties
Oconto County
Schoolcraft County
Shawano County
- IDENTIFY A PEST -
- CHINCH BUGS -
Latin Name: Genus Blissus
Length: 0.16 in
Color: Dark Red to Brown, White wings and
White band
Sounds: ---
Digestive Tract: Yes
PEST OVERVIEW
Chinch bugs are very small, parasitic insects
that feed off of and eventually kill plant life. If
action isn’t taken, they can cause a lot of
damage to a lawn. However, the damage can be
minimized when chinch bugs are managed
properly.
The chinch bug is considered a major insect
pest on home laws. Lawns that are attacked by
chinch bugs looks like grass suffering from
drought. This will resemble brown patches in
your lawn and along your driveway and
sidewalks. If you are not sure what damaged
your lawn, you may want to call a professional.
WHY DO I HAVE THEM?
Chinch bug infestations frequently occur in
drought-stressed turfgrass with thick thatch
that is exposed to full sunlight during periods of
hot, dry weather. Damaged areas in the
beginning look like small, irregular patches. This
will eventually spread into large patches of
dead, brown grass as the insects spread.
The initial damage typically starts along
driveways and sidewalks. Chinch bug
infestations frequently go unnoticed because
they are small and their color blends into grass
and thatch. Damage frequently occurs from
June through September during hot weather
when the insects are actively feeding.
TIPS FOR CONTROL
To get your pest problem under control,
inspection is the first and foremost step. This
holds true whether you are tackling the
situation yourself or you are interested in a free
estimate from our trained, experienced staff.
Additional tips for prevention:
•
Mow grass to about 2-2.5 inches
•
Fertilize lawn with correct amount and at
appropriate times
•
Irrigate lawn during drought periods without
overwatering
•
Remove excess thatch
•
Consider a lawn maintenance plan