Question
I live in N. Florida and have not had much success in my back yard with sod and St. Augustine. It is half shaded and half sun. About two years ago I sodded the back yard with St. Augustine for about $1000 and after this past summer I was attacked by chinch bugs destroying my entire back yard before the pesticides could help. I really want a nice back yard but dont want to spend another $1000 for sod.  What is my best option for this unfortunate situation?

Answer
Jay:

Cinch bugs are everywhere and destructive in a drought year like 2007.  The treatment is monitoring and spraying before they become a problem for turf.  Consider a professional service targeted for cinch bugs.

Biological control is the Big Eye Bug, Geocoris ssp., which, unfortuantely, does not respond until turf damage is bad.

Chemicals for treatment are:
Diazinon
Dursban
Mocap
Mavirk
Triumph

Check with your local ag agent for recommendations.

Best wishes.