How To Identify & Get Rid Of Chinch Bugs

Preventing Chinch Bug Damage To Your Lawn

Chinch bugs are tiny insects that can cause big damage to your grass, leaving behind large dead patches that mimic drought stress. Unfortunately, by the time you realize there’s a problem, they may have already done considerable harm. Whether you're dealing with an active outbreak or want to take preventive steps, Holmes Lawn & Pest is here to give you all the info you need to identify and prevent chinch bugs in your lawn!

What Are Chinch Bugs & What Do They Look Like?

Chinch bugs are small, sap-sucking insects that feed on grass, especially warm-season turfgrasses like St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Bermudagrass. The most common species are the hairy chinch bug (Blissus leucopterus) and the southern chinch bug (Blissus insularis), which thrive in hot, sunny environments. 

Though they’re only about 1/6 to 1/5 of an inch long, they can cause disproportionate damage when populations explode. They tend to congregate in groups and live near the soil surface, particularly in thatch layers. Their small size and dark coloration make them difficult to spot without careful inspection, but larger groups are easier to identify than one or two bugs in your lawn. 

• Nymphs (immature chinch bugs): These are very small and reddish-orange when first hatched. As they grow, they darken and develop white bands across their midsection.

• Adults: Fully grown chinch bugs are black with white wings that fold over their backs in an X-pattern. Despite their wings, most chinch bugs don’t fly and prefer to walk through the thatch and grass layers.

What Do Chinch Bugs Do To Grass?

Chinch bugs damage lawns by using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap from the grass blades and stems. As they feed, they insert their needle-like beaks into the plant tissue and withdraw the vital fluids that grass needs to grow and remain healthy. But the damage doesn’t stop there as chinch bugs also inject toxic saliva into the plant during feeding, which disrupts the flow of nutrients and causes the grass to wilt and die. 

This feeding process not only robs the plant of moisture but also poisons it from within, leading to yellowing, browning, and ultimately dead patches in the lawn. When populations are high, the damage can spread rapidly across large areas, especially during hot, dry weather when grass is already under stress.

How To Identify Chinch Bug Damage To Your Lawn

One of the biggest challenges in managing chinch bugs is recognizing their damage before it's too late. The signs are often confused with other problems like drought, fungal disease, or nutrient deficiencies. To confirm a chinch bug infestation, try the flotation test. Cut both ends off a coffee can and press one end 2–3 inches into the soil on the edge of a dead area. Fill the can with water and wait 5–10 minutes. If chinch bugs are present, they will float to the surface. This method is a reliable way to detect even early infestations.

• Irregularly shaped brown patches: Damage usually begins in sunny areas and appears as small yellowing spots that gradually turn brown and die.
• Grass that doesn't recover from watering: Unlike drought stress, chinch bug damage won’t respond to irrigation. The affected grass will remain dry and brittle no matter how much you water.
• Spreading damage: Patches of dead grass may expand outward in a circular or irregular shape, especially in the heat of summer.
• Visible bugs at the soil line: If you peel back a small section of turf or part the grass near the edge of a dead patch, you may see chinch bugs scurrying away.

What Attracts Chinch Bugs?

Chinch bugs are drawn to conditions that help them thrive, which are mainly hot, sunny, and dry environments with dense thatch layers and compacted soil. They prefer the hottest parts of the lawn, typically south- or west-facing slopes, open lawns with full sun exposure, and areas near sidewalks or driveways. Several factors can contribute to a chinch bug-friendly lawn:

• Thick thatch: A thatch layer over ½ inch thick provides ideal shelter and breeding ground for chinch bugs.
• Poor drainage or compacted soil: These conditions stress grass roots and reduce turf vigor, making it easier for chinch bugs to feed and cause damage.
• Over-fertilization with nitrogen: Excessive nitrogen promotes lush, tender growth that chinch bugs find especially appealing.
• Stressed lawns: Lawns that are already under stress due to drought, improper mowing, or pest pressure are more susceptible to chinch bug damage.

Lawn Care To Prevent Chinch Bugs

Some turfgrass varieties, such as certain cultivars of St. Augustinegrass like “Floratam,” have been bred for improved chinch bug resistance. Choosing the right cultivar for your region can make a significant difference. Unfortunately, most lawns are susceptible to a chinch bug infestation if conditions are right, which is why it is so important to ensure proper lawn care is followed throughout the year. 

Mow Properly:

Mow your grass at the recommended height for its species—typically higher mowing heights help shade the soil and reduce chinch bug habitats. Avoid removing more than one-third of the blade at a time, and keep mower blades sharp to prevent stress.

Water the Right Way:

Chinch bugs thrive in dry conditions. Water your lawn deeply and less often (about 1 inch per week), encouraging deep root growth. Early morning watering is best to minimize evaporation and prevent disease.

Aerate and Dethatch:

If your lawn has a thick thatch layer (over ½ inch), it creates a perfect environment for chinch bugs. Dethatching in the spring or early fall can help reduce this habitat. Aeration also improves air and water penetration.

Avoid Over-Fertilizing:

Too much nitrogen encourages succulent new growth that chinch bugs love. Follow a fertilization schedule that meets your grass type’s seasonal needs and avoid heavy applications during hot weather.

How To Get Rid Of Chinch Bugs

The first step is to improve lawn health by reducing thatch buildup, aerating compacted soil, and maintaining proper watering and mowing habits to make the turf less inviting to chinch bugs. Severely damaged areas may need to be removed and re-sodded. Encouraging beneficial insects such as big-eyed bugs and ground beetles can also help naturally control chinch bug populations, as these predators feed on the pests with minimal impact on your lawn’s health. 

If chinch bugs are still causing significant damage despite these efforts, applying a lawn insecticide may be necessary. Look for products specifically labeled for chinch bug control, with active ingredients like bifenthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, or imidacloprid. These products should be applied to the affected areas, particularly around the edges of damaged turf where chinch bugs are most active, and lightly watered in to reach the thatch layer where the bugs reside. 

Get Professional Lawn Pest Control In Utah

For severe or recurring infestations, a licensed lawn care professional can diagnose and treat the problem more effectively. The pros here at Holmes Lawn & Pest can also help adjust your lawn maintenance practices to prevent future outbreaks. We also have years of experience dealing with the chemical products needed to treat severe infestations, so you can rest assured that your lawn has been treated safely and effectively. If you need help dealing with a chinch bug problem in your Salt Lake City lawn, call Holmes today!