What's the Damage? - Chinch Bugs

June 29, 2019

CHINCH BUG LAWN DAMAGE
When this pest gets hungry, it uses its tube-like mouth to pierce into a plant’s tissue and sucks out the nutrients. It then secretes an anticoagulant that clogs the vascular tissues within the turf causing it to turn a purplish tint. Without the ability to absorb water, the leaves wither from drought and none of the nourishment gets to the roots, resulting in plant death. This is why Chinch Bug damage often gets mixed up with drought damage.

WHERE TO FIND
These insects are frequent to home lawns and can often be found during times of drought. These pests can be found in open, sunny areas. Chinch Bugs favorite flavors of grass include, but aren’t limited to: Kentucky Bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, bent grass, and red fescues.

 HOW TO IDENTIFY THESE PESTS The adults are 3.5 mm long and 0.75 mm wide. Males are typically smaller than females. The abdomen, pronotum and head vary from gray to black and are covered in fine hairs. Wings are white with a black spot located in the middle of the front-wing edge. The legs are often burnt orange. Nymphs (immature Chinch Bugs) take on the same shape but are about half the size of an adult. Nymphs can often be found with orange or red markings and have yet to develop wings.


 INFESTATION SEASON

Normally occurs in July and mid-late August. Chinch Bugs do not become active until temperatures reach 50°F and above. Once temperatures reach 50°F or higher, adults become active, mate and lay eggs. A single female Chinch Bug can produce an average of 300 eggs over the course of 40-50 days. The eggs will hatch 1-2 weeks after to begin the new generation of Chinch Bugs (it takes 4-6 weeks for the new generation to become mature to start the breeding process over again).


 HOW TO MANAGE

Chinch Bug has been a problem since the 1780s when they were known to destroy large crops of grain. They are relatively easy to control if caught early, before they mature. The best way to get rid of them is to treat your lawn with an insecticide labeled for Chinch Bugs like  Talstar  . If you are unsure of whether or not you have Chinch Bugs, take an empty coffee can and remove the bottom and top. Pour some water over the edge of the affected area to soften the ground, if necessary. The pests can usually be found on the edges of the affected area as they consume more and more nutrients from grass blades. Push the coffee can 4 inches or so into the soil and pour water until ¾ of the can are filled. Agitate or stir the water inside, refill as necessary. In several minutes Chinch Bugs will float to the surface (be careful not to mistake them for big-eyed bugs).


For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
 
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service to find a distributor near you.

References:
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2503-11
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/chinch_bug_turf_tips_for_the_homeowner
https://ag.umass.edu/turf/fact-sheets/chinch-bugs
http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/chinch-bugs-in-home-lawns
http://dufferinlawnlife.com/allaboutbugs/
https://ag.umass.edu/turf/insect-management/turf-insects-damage-scouting
 
Pictures:
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2503-11

The TURFReport Highlights:

Additional Articles and Insights

A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
A tur care advertisement for fertilizer application tips
June 22, 2023
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.
A poster for #turf detective summer stress
August 1, 2022
When summer temperatures rise and drought conditions set in, turf quality can suffer, even in healthy turf. Turf that was green and lush during the spring can be at risk for turning brown and going dormant during the summer months. This can lead to insect and weed infestations as well as other diseases that can result in additional turf damage. Being aware of these abiotic stresses can help lawn care operators, turf managers, and homeowners take steps to mitigate the damage from these stressors.
July 28, 2022
Brunswick, OH. (April 25, 2022) – Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care” or the “Company”), the leading formulator and blender of coated nitrogen and other fertilizer products to the turf & ornamental market, is excited to announce Michael Randall as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mike Randall has previously served as the CFO for both Anchor Manufacturing and for a private investment group, The Misfud Group, LLC. Mike has also held a variety of financial positions with Shiloh Industries in Valley City, Ohio and Eaton Corporation in Cleveland. Mike received his Accounting degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. “We are very excited to have Mike join the Turf Care team. Mike’s frontline leadership and successful C level experience make him an incredible addition to our company,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care.  Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the turf & ornamental market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets.
Show More
A large fertilizer manufacturing facility
April 18, 2025
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity.
grubs on dirt
April 18, 2025
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours!
October 9, 2024
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc.
October 4, 2024
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC . We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark ManganPresidentTurf Care Supply, LLC
A forklift is sitting in a garage next to another forklift.
September 28, 2023
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.
A person is holding a safety data sheet in front of bottles
July 19, 2023
When handling fertilizers and pesticide it is important to follow suggested guidelines and prioritize safety to protect yourself, others, and reduce environmental impact. Here are some general measures to follow: 1.Read and Follow Instructions: Carefully read and understand the product labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and any accompanying instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow all recommended guidelines, precautions, and application rates.
A tur care advertisement for fertilizer application tips
June 22, 2023
It’s common knowledge that applying too much fertilizer containing high percentages of readily available nitrogen and water soluble nutrients can result in burn damage to plants, but did you know that damage can still occur even if your application rate is correct? Applying the right product at the right rate, but at the WRONG time can have disastrous consequences.
A poster for #turf detective summer stress
August 1, 2022
When summer temperatures rise and drought conditions set in, turf quality can suffer, even in healthy turf. Turf that was green and lush during the spring can be at risk for turning brown and going dormant during the summer months. This can lead to insect and weed infestations as well as other diseases that can result in additional turf damage. Being aware of these abiotic stresses can help lawn care operators, turf managers, and homeowners take steps to mitigate the damage from these stressors.
Show More