Chinch bugs can be a problem anywhere St. Augustine grass is grown and is one of the most important turf grass insect pests in the state. Although the southern chinch bug is a serious pest only on St. Augustine grass lawns, it occasionally may feed on zoysia grass, centipede grass, bahia grass, or bermuda grass. Expanding, irregular patches of dead or stunted grass surrounded by a halo of yellowing, dying grass often provide the first clue to the presence of chinch bugs. Chinch bug damage is due not just to the direct effects of feeding, but also to phytotoxic effects of the saliva. Damage can develop rapidly, especially in sunny locations during hot, dry weather. Adult chinch bugs are inactive during the winter. Reproduction begins after the appearance of warm weather in the spring. Under optimal conditions, each female can deposit up to 300 eggs, which hatch in about 2 weeks. The nymphal stage lasts about 30 days (less during hot weather), while the entire life cycle lasts 7 to 8 weeks. This speed of development allows time for three to five chinch bug generations each year.