False chinch bugs are a pest that can kill cotton and soybean seedlings.  I see them in a few fields almost every year, but they are causing more widespread problems this year with reports from Madison, Gibson, Haywood and Hardeman Counties.  Infestations almost always occur in no-till fields.  The typical scenario is that they originate on certain weeds such as groundsel then move to cotton or soybean seedlings in large numbers (10’s or 100’s per plant).  Other weed hosts that have been associated with false chinch bugs are cutleaf evening primrose and Virginia peperweed.  The weeds are often long since dead, but the bugs remain. 

False chinch bugs are a “true bug” that feed on plant juices with a beak.  They do not chew holes in leaves; they just suck plant dry.  Serious infestations involve mostly immature bugs, and thus, they will persist until the bugs “cycle out”.  Infestations are often in hot spots and spread outward, moving from plant to plant.  Insecticide seed treatments may help with light infestations, but they are not good enough.  There are no formal treatment thresholds.  Treatment is suggested if plants are being killed.  Spot treatments are possible which can save money because these insects are not easy to control. 

A standard spray recommendation is a full rate of Brigade, Fanfare, Sniper, Discipline or another bifenthrin product (6 oz) plus 0.5 – 0.75 lb of acephate/Orthene per acre.  I’ve also had success by substituting 12-16 oz of Lorsban 4E instead of the acephate, and thus, a premix like Cobalt Advanced at 24 – 32 oz per acre would be worth considering.  I’ve had one experience where Endigo at 5 oz per acre also performed well.  ULV malathion at 16 oz/acre may be the best treatment but requires some set-up time … and time is often critical.  Bidrin is NOT an option because full rates are required, and these rates are NOT allowed in prebloom cotton.  Things can happen fast with false chinch bugs, so act quickly!  The good news is the battle with these critters usually doesn’t last too long, but second sprays are possible when populations are very high.