The common name “June bug” refers to several species of reddish-brown beetles in the Phyllophaga genus, typically active in late spring and early summer. Adults feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, but their white, C-shaped larvae, known as grubs, cause significant damage by consuming the roots of turfgrass and garden plants. Controlling these pests naturally is a preferred method for homeowners seeking to protect their lawns and gardens without synthetic chemicals.
Natural Methods for Adult June Bug Removal
Immediate control of adult beetles can be achieved through simple, non-toxic methods focused on physical removal and trapping. Hand-picking the beetles from affected plants is effective, ideally in the early morning or at dusk when they are less active. Drop the collected adults into a container of soapy water, which quickly dispatches them by breaking the water’s surface tension.
Homemade light traps are effective since June bugs are strongly attracted to light sources after dark. Suspending a light over a bucket of soapy water draws the beetles in, causing them to fall into the liquid and drown. For protecting vulnerable garden plants, physical barriers like fine mesh or lightweight row covers can be draped over shrubs and vegetable patches. These barriers prevent adult beetles from landing, feeding, and laying eggs.
Targeting the Larvae: Grub Control Solutions
Long-term management requires targeting the larval stage, which lives beneath the soil and causes extensive root damage. Biological control agents offer a powerful, natural solution for eliminating these soil-dwelling pests. Beneficial nematodes, specifically Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb), are microscopic roundworms that actively seek out and parasitize the grubs.
The nematodes enter the grubs through natural openings, releasing a symbiotic bacterium that kills the host within 48 hours. Application requires specific conditions: nematodes must be applied to moist soil during late summer or early fall when grubs are actively feeding and close to the surface. Since nematodes are sensitive to sunlight, application should be done in the early morning, late evening, or on a cloudy day, and the soil must be kept moist for up to two weeks afterward.
Another biological method is the application of milky spore, which contains the bacterium Paenibacillus popilliae. This bacterium is ingested by the grub as it feeds on plant roots, multiplying inside the host and causing a milky-white sickness that kills the grub. The dead grub decomposes, releasing billions of new spores back into the soil to continue the cycle. While milky spore is slower-acting and requires years to build up effective concentrations, it provides long-lasting control of susceptible white grubs.
Long-Term Habitat Modification and Prevention
Preventing future infestations relies on adjusting cultural practices to make the habitat less appealing for egg-laying and larval development. Female beetles prefer to lay eggs in moist soil, so adjusting irrigation schedules serves as a deterrent. Allowing the topsoil to dry out slightly during the peak egg-laying period (late spring and early summer) makes the area less attractive for reproduction.
Maintaining a healthy turfgrass height creates a more resilient environment against grub damage. Keeping the grass cut at three to four inches encourages deeper, stronger root growth. This allows the lawn to withstand moderate grub feeding without showing significant damage, supporting overall plant health.
Since adult June bugs are nocturnal and strongly drawn to light, minimizing outdoor lighting during their flight season helps reduce their presence. Switching from bright white or blue lights to yellow “bug lights” or motion-sensor lighting decreases the number of beetles attracted to the immediate area. These adjustments reduce the chances of a severe infestation by disrupting the beetle’s life cycle.