Hello

A few years ago I planted Eco-Lawn in my backyard. It grew really well and looked perfect. Rarely any weeds and I liked the color. Almost always green without watering or fertilizer. The front cooler be turning yellow but the back was green. This year, I noticed brown patches and thought it was drought since we had a really dry May/June. I had a few dead spots from last summer that I thought we're from grubs. This year I dug around but didn't find any grubs which is when I noticed that I actually have a chinch bug infestation.

I tried Safer Insecticidal Soap with pyrethrin, but that didn't seem to do anything. I dethatched and mowed/bagged the grass prior in hopes that they're would be less material for the chinch bugs to hide under when I sprayed.

In any case, I'm curious if there's anything to Eco-Lawn being more susceptible to chinch bugs because the front yard is unaffected. The back is Eco-lawn. I do find them there too but don't see an issues with the lawn.

Can anyone suggest another grass seed mix that's similar to Eco-Lawn but resistant to chinch bugs and requires little to no watering?

Lastly, what are some of the best organic ways of killing chinch bugs. I have little kids so I'm more hesitant to use pesticides that may be more harmful.

I live in the Chicagoland area. Zone 5.

I attached a picture of it currently (above) and a picture of the grass in the spring of 2016... the much greener picture to show how nice it looked in comparison. It looked this good in the spring of this year too..I just don't have any pictures. :)

Thanks

Doug