Where may chinch bugs commonly be found?

Chinch bugs are commonly found deep in the thatch layer of turfgrass, particularly in areas where brown patches or dead grass are present. These insects thrive in warm, dry conditions and tend to hide in the thatch, which is the layer of organic matter that accumulates between the grass roots and soil surface. By residing in this area, chinch bugs can effectively feed on the grass blades while remaining somewhat concealed from predators and adverse environmental conditions.

While some may think they could be located on the surface of grass blades or in gardens and flower beds, those locations are not ideal habitats for chinch bugs. They do not typically infest trees, which is why high tree leaves would not be a suitable environment for them. Chinch bug damage is often most visible at the edges of brown patches where their feeding activity can lead to the death of the grass, making the thatch area a key location for their presence.