What is the primary damaging stage of the Chinch bug?

The primary damaging stage of the Chinch bug is the nymphs and adults. Both of these life stages feed on grass blades, extracting sap and causing significant damage to cool-season turfgrass. This feeding leads to symptoms such as yellowing, browning, and eventual death of the grass plants, particularly during hot and dry conditions when the turf is under stress.

During the nymph stage, Chinch bugs are small and immature but still capable of causing damage. As they transition into adults, their feeding continues to devastate the turf. The combination of nymphs and adults working together can rapidly exacerbate turf damage, as populations can grow quickly, leading to substantial lawn declines.

The other life stages, such as eggs and larvae, are not the primary concerns. Eggs do not cause damage as they are in a dormant stage, while larvae can also be less impactful compared to the feeding activities of nymphs and adults. Thus, focusing on managing the nymph and adult stages is key in Chinch bug control strategies.