Pest ID Learn about the pests that impact homes and businesses across Central Massachusetts.

Worcester Pest Identification: Chinch Bugs

These turfgrass pests can do extensive damage to your yard quickly. Chinch bugs have piercing parts in their mouths that attack and suck grass stems and crowns dry, making your yard look like it suffers from severe drought damage. Their devastation does not stop there. They also release a toxin into the grass blade that prevents the plant from conducting water, causing it to yellow and wilt even after the bug has left the area. Chinch bugs can quickly kill entire patches of your lawn, if not your entire yard. Drought or other yard stresses can make the damage worse.

Appearance & Behavior of Chinch Bugs

There are two main types of chinch bugs, the hairy chinch bug and the southern chinch bug. The hairy chinch bug attacks turfgrasses growing in northern states and is the chinch bug most common to New England.

Adult chinch bugs have black bodies, reddish legs, and distinctive white triangle patterns on their wings when folded. They range from ⅛ to ⅙ inch in length. Chinch bugs overwinter as adults in protected areas, such as thatch, tall grass, or plant debris, and begin laying eggs in the spring.

Females deposit between 300 to 500 eggs on roots, lower leaves, and stems. Pink or red nymphs emerge from the eggs anywhere from seven days to 30 days, depending on the temperature. In some years, up to five generations may develop in one year. Once they hatch, they immediately begin to suck the plant's sap. Recently hatched chinch bugs grow rapidly and molt five times before they mature. Their color darkens as they mature.

Chinch bugs are commonly found in the sunny parts of a yard. They move from lawn to lawn by walking and can even be seen crossing sidewalks or driveways on sunny, warm afternoons.

What To Do If You Suspect Cinch Bugs

If your grass is suffering and you are not sure why, call the professionals at Ford's Hometown Services at (774) 418-4908. Our team can quickly assess if your yard has a chinch bug infestation and create a plan for control and prevention.

Central Mass Trusts Us. See Why.

R
Kevin went above and beyond!
"Kevin went above and beyond. He was exceptional!"

Richard Oconnor
11/02/26
R
Kevin did a phenomenal job.
"He was very thorough and insightful throughout the service."

Ravon raven
11/02/26
x
Good beginning — weeds dying, greener grass!
"I did notice weeds dying and greener grass. That is a good beginning."

xle
10/30/26
J
A pleasure to deal with!
"He worked quickly, efficiently and was a pleasure to deal with."

Jeremy Graves
10/30/26
E
Very professional and thorough
"He was very professional and thorough, and I was very pleased with the process."

Emilia Dunham
10/29/26
M
Great service all around!
"Zach did a great job getting the mice out of my house. He was professional, friendly, and knew exactly what he was doing."

Marcus Elite22
10/29/26
A
10/10 would recommend!
"Dean was very knowledgeable, quick, and efficient. 10/10 would recommend this place and Dean."

Alexa Rose
10/27/26
M
Kevin went beyond the call of duty!
"Kevin went beyond the call of duty today."

Mary Sullivan
10/27/26
G
Excellent company to work with!
"Bob and Zach came to my house and answered all of my questions. They were very knowledgeable and did a great job."

George bowker
10/24/26

View All Reviews

Talk with Ford's Hometown Services Today

Call (774) 418-4908 or send the form and we will help you sort out pests, wildlife, or lawn concerns with a plan that fits your property. At Ford's Hometown Services, we treat your home or business with the care we use for our own.

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Address
Are you a new customer?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Local Care Backed by 85+ Years of Doing the Right Thing

Voted the Area's Top Choice for Pest Control

We were voted the #1 pest control company in Central Massachusetts in 2024, something we achieved by putting people first and providing lasting results.
85+ Years Of Know-How

With us, you get practical, tailor-made solutions that are backed by over eight decades of industry experience.
Cleaner Visits, Every Time

We follow a four-step cleanliness process to keep homes and businesses neat and tidy, all while delivering effective pest control and lawn care.
Comprehensive Care, One Team

We're your one-stop shop for complete pest and wildlife control and lawn care, all under one roof.

Stay Ahead of Pests

Explore tips, local advice, and real answers from our Worcester team to help you protect your home, family, and property all year long.

Visit Our Blog