Chinch Bugs

Adult chinch bugs are black with white wings folded over their backs and measure about 4mm long. Newly hatched chinch bugs or 'nymphs' are yellow upon hatching but soon turn red, with a light coloured band across their abdomens. With each molt, nymphs more closely resemble the adults.

Chinch bugs live in the thatch layer of a lawn where they feed on the grass by piercing the plant with their mouth and sucking the plant juices. When the chinch bugs feed, they release enzymes that facilitate easy feeding. The enzymes continue damaging the plant after feeding, and cause the grass to turn brown and potentially die.

Chinch bugs are generally found in hot sunny areas of a lawn. They tend to aggregate, which initially results in localized dead patches. These dead areas are brown, irregular sunken patches, which can coalesce into larger dead areas. Damage generally becomes evident in July and August when temperatures get hot and drought conditions become more prevalent.

READ > Managing and Recovering From Chinch Bug Damage

Heavy infestations can be identified by simply parting the thatch and looking for the chinch bugs. Light infestation can be discovered by cutting the bottom from a large tin can and pushing the can into the lawn and filling it with soapy water. Any chinch bugs present will float to the surface.

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