The nymphs feed by sucking juices from roots near or at the surface. After molting through several stages, it becomes black and has prominent wing pads. In 40 to 50 days, after voracious feeding, they reach the mature stage and develop wings. Adults of this brood usually move to a new area before mating and egglaying resumes. The adult is shaped like a flattened capsule, is black and white in color, and is capable of flight.
Chinch bugs do greatest damage from mid-summer to early fall.
Succeeding generations hibernate at the approach of cold weather in matted clippings and debris, or in loose soil near the root zone.