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What are chinch bugs?

April 26, 2017bugs chinch

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What are chinch bugs?

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Chinch bugs (see drawing right and color picture here) are small, true bugs (Hemiptera) that damage turf grasses and grain crops such as wheat and sorghum. There are a number of different species that occur in different areas. Immature chinch bugs feed on the same plants as do adults. Chinch bugs cause irregular patches of dead or yellowed turf and are especially damaging during hot, dry summers following a dry spring. Some regions are plagued by chinch bugs year after year while others only occasionally see this pest. There are 2-6 generations per year depending on climate. Damage is most severe when chinch bugs are not detected early in the season and bug populations are allowed to build to high numbers. Since early chinch bug detection is so important in order to prevent turf damage you should scout for chinch bugs if (1) you live where these bugs are normally a pest (check with local Extension or lawn care experts) and (2) if you experienced a dry spring and early summer.