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Treat chinch bugs with bifenthrin and rotate active ingredients
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What to Do
If the float test confirms chinch bugs, apply a bifenthrin-based granular insecticide (such as Talstar) at the label rate to affected areas and a 5-foot buffer zone around them. Water in lightly. If retreatment is needed, switch to a different active ingredient.
Why It Works
Bifenthrin provides fast knockdown and residual control of chinch bugs. However, chinch bugs reproduce rapidly and can develop resistance to a single active ingredient within a season. Rotating between chemical classes (pyrethroids like bifenthrin, neonicotinoids like imidacloprid) prevents resistance buildup.
Tips
- Organic alternative: Spray neem oil weekly for 3-4 weeks. Diatomaceous earth works in dry conditions.
- Reduce chinch bug habitat by keeping thatch under half an inch and maintaining proper watering.
- Excessive nitrogen fertilization makes grass more attractive to chinch bugs.
📅 Created: 2/8/2026, 5:33:03 AM 📌 commercial 🔧 Bifenthrin granular insecticide, broadcast spreader
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