The mission of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals (MALP) is to exemplify leadership by offering education to its membership, the industry, and the community.

Chinch bugs

Blissus sp.

Plants Affected
  • St. Augustine
How They Eat
  • Sucking Mouthparts
Signs & Symptoms
  • Yellow spots will begin to appear in lawns

  • Blades of grass will be eaten down to stems

  • Uneven areas turn brown and look like a dry spot with no water

  • Edges of brown spots remain yellow as this is where the infestation remains

  • Birds become frequent visitors

  • Cover affected area with a piece of plywood then look after a few hours to confirm worms

How to Fix the Problem
  • Most active in spring & summer

  • Confirm problem by digging along edge of damage and put material in a bucket of water. Bugs will float in the water.

  • Keep lawns healthy