Chinch bugs suck plant juices from many grass species including corn, sorghum and wheat. Adult field chinch bugs are black with distinctly black and white patterned wings, whereas some adult buffalograss chinch bugs have but rudimentary wings and, therefore, merely appear to be black. Nymphs of both types are red with a white waistband. Adult field chinch bugs overwinter in bunch grasses, while buffalograss chinch bugs overwinter in the buffalograss per se. Eggs are deposited in the spring.
Nymphs begin feeding immediately after emerging from eggs.
A second generation is produced later in the summer. Second generation adults overwinter. Yellowed or browned areas in lawns are an indication of something amiss. Chinch bugs feed on grass near the soil interface or just below the soil surface. Prewatering may improve the movement of a spray material to the action site.