Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs feed on the grass surface. They live in the thatch and shoots and are not easily seen unless you actively search for them.
They have a different appearance at each stage of development. The young do the most damage, but all stages feed.
The black adults are about 5mm long and dart along the grass surface. With the careful observation, they can be seen, especially in areas they’ve already damaged. What makes chinch bugs so damaging is that they are most active in dry conditions in the summer heat. Turf that is already weakened by drought and heat stress can be quickly finished off by their feeding.
They are less of a problem in lawns that are irrigated regularly.
