Chinch bugs are commonly associated with which turfgrass symptom?

• A. Yellow patches and wilting
• B. Seed production
• C. Uniform green
• D. Purple leaf spots

Answer: (A)

Chinch bugs injure turf by sucking sap from the grass and disrupting the plant’s water and nutrient transport, especially under hot, dry conditions. This feeding stress shows up as yellow patches that wilt and fade, creating fast-spreading areas of chlorosis across the turf. That yellowing and wilting pattern is the telltale sign of chinch bug damage. Other patterns—like seed production, a uniformly green lawn, or purple leaf spots—don’t match the typical injury from these pests, which is why yellow patches and wilting is the best description of their common symptom.