Lawn and Turf: Chinch bugs
categories: Lawn and Turf Lawn and Turf Insects
revision date: 2023-04-04 12:00
Photo by: D. Pehling
Biology
Chinch bugs feed on the stems, injecting a toxic saliva as they feed. Damage typically appears in mid- to late summer. Affected grass turns yellow and dies. The damage often resembles drought stress, but grasses damaged by chinch bugs do not recover with watering. Damage is more severe on lawns with moderate or severe drought stress, but less damage is seen in shady areas. The adults are small black bugs with white wing markings. They are about 3⁄16″ long. The immature bugs (nymphs) are reddish with black or white markings. Perennial ryegrasses and fine and tall fescues with high levels of endophytic fungi are resistant to chinch bugs.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Provide proper culture. Vigorous, well-irrigated lawns are not likely to be damaged by chinch bugs.
- A fungus which parasitizes chinch bugs is also encouraged by proper watering.
- Chinch bugs may be attracted to lawns with thatch buildup. Annual thatch removal will help control chinch bugs.
- Many insects including big-eyed bugs are natural enemies of chinch bugs. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Chinch bugs are not consistent pests.
- While conditions suitable for damage occur each year in the PNW, the last major outbreak occurred in 1985.
- The most resistant turfgrasses are those that are lightly fertilized and regularly irrigated.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.
Additional Image
Photo by: K. Grey