CHINCH BUGS


Chinch Bugs

ID Features: Nymphs
  • Young nymphs are bright red with white band
  • Older nymphs progress from orange-brown
        to gray and finally black


    • Adults
  • 1/5" long with white wings
  • Wings extend either completely over the
        back or half way
    		•
    Damaging Stages:
  • Nymphs (immature stages) and adults
  • All stages can be present at one time
    		•
    Damage & Signs
    of Activity:
  • Suck juices from the plant
  • Grass turns yellow then brown
  • When pulled, injured plants break off easily at the crown
  • Damage begins as irregular patches in open,sunny
        areas
  • Injury most severe on drought-stressed turf
    		•
    Damaging
    Periods:
  • Hot, dry summer months
    		•
    Grasses
    Preferred:
  • North (Hairy chinch bug) - Bentgrass, fine fescue,
        bluegrass and zoysia
  • South (Southern chinch bug) - Serious pest of St.
        Augustine, also feeds on bermudagrass
    		•
    Additional
    Note:
  • Chinch bugs are often confused with the beneficial
        big-eyed bug that is a predator on chinch bugs. Big-eyed
        bugs have large eyes and dark wings
    		•