How to Get Rid of Cinch Bugs

June 24th, 2009 Posted in Ornamental & Lawn Pests




Some of you homeowners out there tend to take extra-special care of those plush, emerald green lawns–at least, you strive for that color and feel. But as much as you love your grass, whether it be Kentucky Bluegrass, Bent, or St. Augustine, so do Cinch Bugs. Can’t figure out why your lawn is starting to look like a pale disaster zone covered with yellow spots? It’s not malaria. It’s an infestation of Cinch Bugs! But don’t give up on those lawns just yet.

In this article you will learn the attributes of a Cinch Bug, determining infestation, along with control & Prevention

What’s A Cinch Bug?

  • Cinch bugs, or Chinch, as they are often spelled, are most common in the South, East, and Midwest. They breed once a year in Canada and New England but twice a year in the mid-Atlantic region. In the South, they are particular pests of St. Augustine, Bermuda and zoysia grasses.
  • They are tiny (1/5 inch) and black. And what’s worse–when you squish them, they STINK! Their popular hang out is the base of your lawn, in the thatch, and also the top level of soil. And they LOVE lawns that receive plenty of sunshine.



  • The female lays eggs on roots, stems, leaves, and other protected areas. They are laid over a 2 to 3 week period, with one female laying as many as 500 eggs. In March, when the weather starts to turn and after a 4-6 week development period, adults emerge. But it is their little red nymphs you should worry about.

  • Their method? Suck you dry and leave a trail of poison! Yes, these bugs feed on the nutrients of the grass that help it become that glowing green color that we all covet. Think of the movie Independence Day, and these guys are the aliens that consume every natural resource as they move on–but not before leaving a trail of poison on your lawn. Evil buggers!

  • They like to gather in hot and dry parts of your lawn, and also thick thatches, where nitrogen and water content have depleted. A Thatch is actually a technical term for a tightly intermingled layer of living and dead stems, leaves, and roots between the layer of actively-growing grass and the soil underneath. Don’t worry, it’s normal!

How to Know When You’re Under Attack


  1. Appearance. If your lawn is full of patches or circular shaped spots of yellow, it is a good indicator that Cinch Bugs have moved in. Just get down on your knees and check!

  2. Neighborhood. These little guys can fly – ask your neighbor if he/she is experiencing a cinch bug problem.

  3. Test it. Since it is difficult to distinguish infestation during a drought, try this remedy:

    1 TSP of Liquid Detergent (dish or laundry)
    1 QT of Water
    1 Tin Can

-Combine Detergent & Water
-Remove both ends of tin can, making a “tin tube”
-Push one end of tube 2 or 3 inches into your lawn
-Pour 1 cup of the detergent/water solution into the can.
-Wait 5-10 minutes
-If you’re infested, you’ll see tiny Cinch Bugs either climbing or floating to the surface

Prevent, Control, Kill!

This part is, well, a cinch! (I couldn’t resist)

Preventative measures are always a good first step.

  • Don’t over-fertilize

  • Keep your grass moist & happy

  • Keep your grass trimmed – they like thick thatches, so get out there and mow, you proud lawn connoisseur!

Controlling them is easy if you make the insecticidal soap listed above, and add 4 TSP of isopropyl rubbing alcohol. This can then be poured into a spray bottle and applied to the infected areas every 3 days for 2 weeks.

*However, that control comes with a price: Isopropyl alcohol is twice as toxic as ethanol, nearly as toxic as methanol, and if enough is ingested and left untreated, can be fatal to humans. (Imagine what it can do to your child or family pet)

Preventing, Controlling, and Killing these critters is now easier and safer than ever before – thanks to EcoSMART!

EcoSMART’s organic pesticides, made with natural oils like peppermint and cinnamon, kill bugs safely and quickly, keeping your entire family healthy and bug-free!


Alyse Popp


organic pest control


  1. 91 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!

  2. By Michelle Evans on Jul 9, 2009

    Yes! Please count me in!!!!!!!

  3. By Roxane Walker on Jul 9, 2009

    I would love to test your products!!

  4. By Marcio on Jul 9, 2009

    I just got an infested with these little pests. Help!!!

  5. By Marion on Jul 9, 2009

    We have a cinch bug problem again this year and I have been trying to find an environmentally friendly solution. Thanks EcoSmart for developing a product.

  6. By Holly on Jul 9, 2009

    I think I have these bugs in my turnips! I really don’t want to spray something toxic on our food, which product would be best for getting rid of these bugs in my vegetable garden? I also just put in zoysia grass plugs last year…bet they came with the plugs!

  7. By Chevy on Jul 10, 2009

    Ready to try EcoSMART for those pesty little creatures

  8. By Michael on Jul 11, 2009

    I would like to test your product ecosmart.

  9. By Robert on Jul 12, 2009

    This is a product I will like.

  10. By lori traylor on Jul 13, 2009

    Yes, I live in houston, tx and it has been so hot and dry. We have cinch bugs in our lawn. I would love to try your eco smart
    product for cinch bugs.

    Thanks

  11. By Corinthia on Jul 14, 2009

    How do i KILL CHINCHES COMMONLY KNOWN AS BED BUGS?

  12. By craig v on Jul 15, 2009

    Going through my first battle with chinch bugs currently. would love some help as I re-sodded my lawn 7 months ago and looks like i’ll be doing some more if this keeps up.

  13. By Brenda B in Florida on Jul 15, 2009

    HELP! I’m cinch bug infested. I’ve been managing my yard for four years on my own. When I bought my house four years ago, my yard was the worst in the neighborhood. I’ve put a lot of sweat equity into my yard and slowly it’s become something to be proud of. I hate to see these darned bugs getting the best of me.

  14. By Darren B in Canada on Jul 16, 2009

    Are your products available in Canada? I have cinch bugs and need a solution.

    Darren

  15. By Lance A on Jul 16, 2009

    Would love to test it.

  16. By Dan Myers on Jul 17, 2009

    I cancelled my lawn service and trying this on my own….got the cinch bugs. I would like to be and EcoSMART Product Tester. Thanks!

  17. By Sandy Thompson on Jul 19, 2009

    I think cinch bugs are our problem, but we have dogs and a natural product would be good.

  18. By lorna williams on Jul 20, 2009

    I have a lawn service that has sprayed for cinch bugs ,plus it has been raining nearly every day.Even though these arent the right conditions i still have an infestation.I live in central florida and would like to try this product..tired of relacing my st. augustine grass every year.

  19. By Donald Wilson on Jul 20, 2009

    Help, my lawn is turning brown.
    Would love to test your product.

  20. By Amber on Jul 21, 2009

    I would love to test your product. I have been looking for an alternative to all the harsh chemicals out there to get rid of these little bugs.

    Thanks, Amber

  21. By bill thompson on Jul 21, 2009

    we use natural products when we can. would like to try your product.

  22. By Mary du Plessis on Jul 23, 2009

    Yes, I think this is our problem! I would love to try this!

  23. By Nick Fisse on Jul 29, 2009

    Yes, would live to try your product.

  24. By J Lao on Jul 29, 2009

    I live in Pearland, TX and I believe my lawn is infested with the bug. I have St Augustine grass and keeps drying up. Would like to try your product. Thank you.

  25. By Amy French on Jul 30, 2009

    Just when I think they’re gone, I see more! I’d love to try this product. Please help!

  26. By Susan Hicks on Aug 2, 2009

    We’d love to try an environmentally friendly product to tackle our cinch bug problem in Sarasota, Florida.

  27. By Stan Parsons on Aug 3, 2009

    I need help, I’ve been fighting the battle for seven years and tried all kinds of stuff.

  28. By W Evers on Aug 5, 2009

    Please let me know when the product is available. I’d like to try an environmentally friendly solution! Thank you

  29. By Deanna on Aug 6, 2009

    Help…I have cinch again this year. HOUSTON, TX would love to test your product.

  30. By terry on Aug 10, 2009

    help im being invaded by cinch bugs

  31. By Jean Lozeau on Aug 16, 2009

    I am at my wits end with this problem. My lawn has always been pristene but now it looks like a war zone. HELP !!

  32. By April on Aug 23, 2009

    Have a major chinch bug problem here in Texas. Didn’t know they flew and am seeing a trend in infestions in my neighbors yards. I have heard chinch bugs are very hard to get rid of. HELP!!!!

  33. By Heath M. on Aug 25, 2009

    We would love to give your product a shot. We just spent a lot of $$$ on sod in the back yard and those little cinch bug critters are trying to take over. Your product looks like the way to go now that we have a 10 month old that loves to play in the yard. Thanks.

  34. By Houston Gibson on Aug 26, 2009

    Yes I wuld love to try your product. I am costantly having problems with cinch bugs,spittle bugs and reass hoppers.

  35. By Kate Rooney on Aug 26, 2009

    Yes, please help. My NEW yard is almost all dead!

  36. By Deborah Jensen on Aug 27, 2009

    have Cinch bugs would like to try your product.

  37. By Jaye Faison on Aug 27, 2009

    Yes – I would like to try your product. – NE Florida and never had a problem for 7 years until now. Help.

  38. By Bill Hubbard on Aug 28, 2009

    Yard in infested with Chinch bugs.

  39. By John on Aug 29, 2009

    My lawn is yellow

  40. By Ernestine Swann on Aug 29, 2009

    I need your help, I just had a 150 yards of sod install at my home in Orland, Florida.
    I am near tears; I have tried all every product on the shelf. Ortho had a product call Diazinon Ultra, I can’t find this product anywhere; it worked.
    I hope I am choosen to test your product, my neighbor would purchase it in a heart beat. Especially, when they see how well it.

  41. By Ernestine Swann on Aug 29, 2009

    The cinch bugs are destroying my newly installed lawn. I live in Orlando, Florida, I have tried every product on the shelf. Ortho had a product called Diazinon Ultra, I can’t find this product anywhere; it worked. I hope I am choosen to test your product.

  42. By colleen chartrand on Aug 30, 2009

    I would love to try your product. I live beside an environmental significant area so it is important to me to have a green product.

  43. By Sharon Kirkbride on Sep 2, 2009

    My Lawn is infested with Cinch bugs! I am receiving letters from my HOA and I have to do something about it. I was in Wal-Mart recently with my 12 and 8 year old looking for something to kill the bugs. My 12 year old felt sick to his stomach just from the smell in the isle! I want to test your products to kill our lawn pests. A lot of people in my neighborhood are having problems with cinch bugs, so if it works I can refer them all to you:)

  44. By Diane Stephen on Sep 3, 2009

    HELP! I’m being invaded by chinch bugs. I would love to try your product as I have a small yorkie that loves to be out in my backyard.

  45. By William Higgins on Sep 4, 2009

    I would love to try your product. I have St Augustine grass here in Florida and the chinch bugs are a continuous problem. I have dogs and a protective family so I can’t use anything which might harm the dogs. I have had to replace some sod recently and it is especially susceptible. I really need a good product and so do my neighbors!

  46. By Jerry Burns on Sep 6, 2009

    I just had a 11 year cinch bug infestation identified when I went with an organic lawn fertilizer company last season. Despite their best efforts here in cold, rainy CT and my mowing at 3.5″ all summer…the minute it warmed up they were back again. I would like to try anything that is organically safe to see if something can work as I too dread the pesticide route. Thanks.

  47. By Susan Lei on Sep 9, 2009

    I have over an acre and have an organic lawn service that ‘fertilizes it with organic nutriants. he is not licenced to use pesticides. I would love to try your product to compliment where my lawn so I do not cancel out the healthy work that our lawn has received. thanks!

  48. By M.A. Townsend on Sep 13, 2009

    I just noticed that I have chinch bugs in my yard and I have dogs and need to get rid of these bugs fast and safely. Cannot find a store in Houston, Texas that carries these products. HELP

  49. By Michelle V on Sep 15, 2009

    I would like to try your product. We have chinch bugs – all of our neighbors do, too – and I don’t want to hurt our pets.

  50. By joseph miles on Sep 16, 2009

    We are unfested with cinch bugs again this year.My neibours will not speak to me.
    I’ve tried several remedies but to no avail.
    Help Help Please

  51. By joseph miles on Sep 16, 2009

    My lawn is infested with cinch bugs for the
    past three years. I’ve tried several so-called remedies but to no avail.
    Please help, my neighbours will not speak to
    me. Help Help Please.

  52. By Cecil Jackson on Sep 18, 2009

    I live in Palm Beach and this year a great portion of my lawn is taken over by Cinch bugs. I have tried every advise but nothing works. I will be more than happy to test your product

  53. By janet b on Sep 18, 2009

    I am in the cinch bug club, too. I have a new home and now my back yard is dead. Started out looking just like the photo above. Now its darn near all dead.

  54. By Dan Huffman on Sep 20, 2009

    They keep killing my cantaloupes and watermelons in my garden but I don’t want to spray chemicals. If this product works you will get a glowing review from me.

  55. By Pam Duffy on Sep 21, 2009

    I have a large area of St. Augustine, migrating chinch bugs, a dog and a cat we love dearly. I would love to test your product.

  56. By Pam Duffy on Sep 21, 2009

    I have a large area of St. Augustine, migrating chinch bugs, a dog and a cat we love dearly. I would love to test your products. In Orlando…

  57. By Joe Henry on Sep 24, 2009

    I have a lawn maintenance company and would like to try your products on some lawns here in Manatee County,Florida to compare it.

  58. By Ken on Sep 25, 2009

    My entire backyard in North Central Florida has been wiped out in about a weeks time by these evil bugs. I’d love to test out your product in my front lawn before they attack that. Thanks!

  59. By alicia on Sep 27, 2009

    i have 2 dogs and children. i would love to have an affective and safe way to kill those nasty chinch bugs.

  60. By Sheila White on Sep 27, 2009

    We live in Austin, TX, where we’ve had drought for the last 3 years, and the highest recorded temperatures since the 1920’s. We arrived home this afternoon after a weekend out of town. The grass was lush and green Friday night, and now is riddled with ugly brown patches. HELP!!

  61. By Christine Chatman on Sep 30, 2009

    Yes I would love to test your produce.
    Thanks.

  62. By Laura on Oct 7, 2009

    I would love to test that stuff out!!! It’s our first year in our first home, and we’ve already got an ugly lawn. Help!!!

  63. By Mark on Oct 8, 2009

    Arghh! I had no idea why huge patches of my lawn (St. Augustine grass) in Florida were turning brown and dying, until a neighbor mentioned the possibility of cinch bug infestation. I was hoping to find an environmentally-friendly product that I could apply myself. I’ll be looking for Eco-Smart in my local stores; hope I can find it!

  64. By tom brown on Oct 11, 2009

    count me in–am tired of paying someone to treat my lawn & still have chinch bugs.

  65. By EcoSMART Jon on Oct 12, 2009

    Mark,

    If you can’t find our product in a local store, you can order it straight from EcoSMART.

    http://www.ecosmart.com/shop/all-products.html

    This link will take you to the online store, where you can order any of our products.

  66. By robert arnold on Oct 31, 2009

    Help, the little critters are destroying my lawn. I have 3 weiner dogs. One of them is on chemo. I can’t use the usual bug sprays. This product seems to be my answer. Where do I obtain it?

  67. By karen hickey on Nov 6, 2009

    I have a lawn care company that sprays for cinchbugs,but the problem appears to be ongoing. I have a dog and would be interested in trying a non-toxic product. Thank you.

  68. By marshall underwood on Nov 12, 2009

    help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  69. By Bill Ruffing on Dec 13, 2009

    I live in Florida and am in the process of reclaiming part of our back yard for gardening. We just stopped the use of pesticides and will need an organic product to control cinch bugs in the future (cinch bugs are a recurring problem). THanks for letting us try your organic pest control product!

  70. By Morgan Von Essen on Jan 2, 2010

    I have a terrible chinch bug problem in south florida. With water restrictions my lawn seems to be dry all the time. Almost my entire front swale is now dead, not from water but from chinch bugs. We have a dog and don’t like spraying the chemicals on the grass. We would love to test your product.

  71. By Lisa on Jan 12, 2010

    Help chinch bug infestation. Just tried the above recipe today for first time, will follow every three days for two weeks as stated. Wish me luck. need EcoSmart, I have Leukemia and need non toxic products, I also have 2 dogs and a cat.

  72. By Jane Salna on Feb 17, 2010

    I am writing for a quadriplegic friend who has cinch bugs and needs help with her lawn. I would love to help her with non toxic products. Her whole yard probably needs to be treated. Do you sell this product in large quantities? Could we become a tester and receive this product for free?

  73. By Mike on Mar 11, 2010

    Have tried other products without much luck. I would be thrilled to test EcoSMART and provide feedback.

  74. By Jill on Mar 15, 2010

    I live in Orlando and have a cinch problem with my St. Augustine. i would love to be a product tester!! I will send before and after pix!

  75. By Ben on Mar 15, 2010

    I would like to try EcoSMART as I have been trying to deal with a chinch bug issue as well in Central Florida.

  76. By Maurice on Mar 19, 2010

    I recently had to rush our dog to the Vet as she was having some kind of reaction. We think it might be due to the fact that she like to eat grass. After some research I would like to treat my grass with your EcoSmart products. I will also pass this info along to my Vet as they had seen three dogs, by nine o’clock that morning, with the same problem.

  77. By Alice Simone on Mar 20, 2010

    I would like to be a tester. My lawn was need perfect the first week of July and two weeks later I had brown spot in all the place were the lawn got the most sun. Now I have spot were no grass is growing. Help

  78. By Thomas on Mar 20, 2010

    Please send EcoSMART. I would love to try your produce and rid my lawn of Chinch bugs.

  79. By Teri on Mar 21, 2010

    We live in texas on the gulf coast and have had a major problem with these bugs. We have a really big yard and they destroyed most of it last year. We would love to try your product!

  80. By Chris on Apr 5, 2010

    I’m in. I have a huge Cinch Bug Problem and would love a solution that let’s my daughter still run around in the grass!

  81. By Nate on Apr 22, 2010

    After much research I came across this website. I’ve been looking for all kind of solutions to kill cinch bugs that are pet friendly and natural.
    My wife and I just purchased a house here in the Tampa area of Florida. We saw some cinch bugs at the time, but they weren’t bad, but I did purchase and treated the foundation with stuff found at local department stores. Although they worked, they only worked temporarily and didnt keep the situation under control. Its now April and after being out in the lawn today I noticed hundreds if not thousands of baby cinch bugs. I tried the dish soap thing which didnt really do much.
    I’d love to water my lawn a lot, but in our County we are only allowed to water once a week and only for so long during certain times so being restricted doesn’t help.
    I honestly don’t know what else to do. I’d love to enjoy my yard, but its hard with these bugs. I’m hoping to become one of your testers, I’d love to see these bugs gone and see a great natural product in action.

  82. By Doreen Price on Apr 29, 2010

    I have cinch bugs in my lawn now for 2 years can’t seem to get rid of them Please help they are all over. Thank You

  83. By Heather on May 3, 2010

    They’re back and just pulled a few eggs out of my lawn. Resodded the lawn 2 years ago and they’re worse than last year. Please let me try this product. :)

  84. By Mike on May 30, 2010

    This year my grass is definitely infested again with cinch bugs and worse than the previous year. Do I put new sod or replant. I’d rather try your product and bring my existing lawn back to life. Help!!

  85. By Brad Evans on Jun 14, 2010

    I would love to test your product.. I have a problem right now…

  86. By Chere Carnley on Jun 18, 2010

    Not sure if its too late to try this product

  87. By Alison Harney on Jul 6, 2010

    Our neighbors are laughing at our lawn. Need to kill these things before we resod.

  88. By Judy Zepeda on Jul 8, 2010

    My husband (retired) tends to our St. Augustine daily. When large brown spots started appearing, we thought someone had deliberatly poured or doused our beautiful lawn with a herbicide, never thinking that the problem could be a lawn pest. A neighbor a few blocks over told us of his infestation last summer. Now my research is centered on how to get rid of them without harming my small 10 lb dog that is allergic to everything under the sun – literally. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

  89. By James Dolfin on Jul 19, 2010

    We would love to try your product. We have those lousy little guys in our, what was a beautiful, green lawn!

  90. By Leyna Merrill on Jul 24, 2010

    My St. Augustine lawn has been dying for a few weeks and I was putting all the blame to the dogs. Turns out after some close inspection, Cinch Bugs! I am an organic gardener and have 3 dogs, so I would love to find something that can get rid of these guys but still be organic. Would love to test if possible! Could take pics!

  91. By luis chiew on Jul 25, 2010

    I have a florida tam lawn for 15 years in Volusia County, Central Florida. I have been finding it was more difficult for me to keep a nice green lawn like it was years ago. I would like to know why chinch bug is so difficult to get rid of this days.

    If you don’t mind, I would like to become Ecosmart Product Testers.

    Sincerely,

    Luis Chiew

  92. By patti on Jul 28, 2010

    I just planted a new lawn-floratam- two months ago and now have cinch bugs destroying it. I’d like to try a product that will not harm my dog.

    Thanks, Patti

91 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers! (details)