False Chinch Bugs

False chinch bugs are small, grayish brown insects that frequently build up large populations in the summer months. They are not a danger to humans or animals, but their large numbers can be disconcerting and they can damage plants and crops.

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• False Chinch Bugs

Table of Contents

• Identification
• Control

Adults are about 3mm long (1/8 inch) and tend to be light gray in color. Young false chinch bugs tend to be light gray with red-brown abdomens and are sometimes mistaken for ticks (though they pose no risk to humans).

Population explosions of false chinch bugs most likely occur in the spring and early summer months.

It is not generally recommended to use insecticides for urban control as the infestation is generally short-lived.

Monitoring weedy and densely vegetated areas for the presence of the insect in early spring and thinning out vegetation are low-cost effective management methods.