Chinch Bugs vs Hotspots: What's the Difference?

Chinch Bugs vs Hotspots: What’s the Difference?

Is Your Lawn Turning Brown? It Could Be Hotspots or Chinch Bugs.
If you’re noticing brown patches in your lawn this summer, you’re not alone. At Matthews Landscape, we’re seeing lawns across Northwest Louisiana struggling with hotspots and chinch bug damage—and while they look similar, the solutions are very different.

How to Tell the Difference Between Chinch Bugs and Hotspots

Damage from chinch bugs starts out as small brown spots that grow over time. If you look closely at the grass blades, you can sometimes spot groups of tiny bugs clustered at the bottom. You might also notice a lot of crickets and spiders around the area as they feed on the chinch bugs.

Hotspots, on the other hand, are caused by uneven watering or sprinkler system issues. These dry areas can form where sprinkler heads don’t provide full coverage or where heat radiates off driveways and sidewalks. Run your irrigation system and watch closely—if brown patches aren’t getting water, you’re likely dealing with hotspots.

Don’t Guess—Get a Professional Lawn Diagnosis

Watering brown grass without knowing the cause can make the problem worse, especially if chinch bugs are involved. The lawn care experts at Matthews Landscape can inspect your yard, identify the issue, and recommend the right treatment—whether it’s a sprinkler adjustment, pest control, or both.