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# Protecting lawns from chinch bugs
- URL: https://www.one-earth.life/protecting-lawns-from-chinch-bugs/
- Published: 2026-08-28T13:10:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-28T13:50:10.000Z
- Author: Ryan Waxberg

A chinch bug is any member of the genus Blissus. The most common in Florida is the species Blissus insularis, Southern Chinch Bug 

The South Chinch Bug can ruin turf lawns and is particularly drawn to St. Augustine Grass. Most for profit organizations will try to sell you on chemical based solutions such as full spectrum fungicides or pesticides. The true solution is much more cost effective and environmentally friendly – less, not more, is the solution.

For a Florida Friendly landscape dealing with Chinch Bugs here are fundamental things to solve the issue entirely:

**Reduce Fertilizer**  
High-nitrogen fertilizer creates lush, succulent leaf blades that act as an all-you-can-eat buffet for southern chinch bugs. Excess nitrogen also promotes heavy thatch accumulation—the spongy layer of dead plant material between green grass and the soil—where chinch bugs hide, breed, and lay eggs. We prefer using no commercial fertilizers and make our own Weed Tea fertilizer.  
  
We know not everyone has the time for that, if you must fertilize, do so sparingly and use a slow-release low nitrogen fertilizer. 

**Let Your Yard Grow Taller – Raise Your Mower Height**  
While we are big supporters of zero grass that takes time, and may also not be practical for everyone. Any reduction of grass is certainly the best for the environment, but if you do have a lawn dealing with Chinch Bugs consider raising your mower height to \~4 inches. Taller grass blades are healthier, conserve moisture, and protect the roots. This directly leads to...

**Water Deeper and Less Frequently**  
Chinch Bugs primarily thrive and nest in the thatch layer. This layer of tight matter builds up primarily from poor soil and shallow daily watering. When you run an irrigation / sprinkler system for short periods multiple days a week you end up wasting valuable natural resources and money, while developing a breeding ground for weak grass and strong Chinch Bug. 

**Plant Pollinators**  
Making room for and allowing pollinators into your landscape is the single most beneficial thing you can do for your property and community. Remember your lawn should be a thriving part of our ecosystem and by inviting pollinators in, you're inviting in natural predators to the Chinch Bug including the always popular Lady Bug (a beetle everyone loves!). Some easy to grow plants, that invite Lady Bugs here in Florida are: 

- **Coreopsis** (Florida's state wildflower)
- **Milkweed**
- **Nasturtiums**
- **Parsley**
- **Lima Beans** (We grow Lima Beans and found out native Lady Bugs LOVE them but these do require more space than the other options)

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****WANT HELP ELIMINATING CHINCH BUGS?** 

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