June bugs, or May beetles, are common seasonal pests that emerge during warm summer evenings and often gather in irritating swarms around outdoor light fixtures. Their presence can make spending time on porches or patios unpleasant, as they clumsily collide with surfaces and people. Understanding why these insects are attracted to light offers several strategies for minimizing their presence. By making simple adjustments to light sources and implementing physical control methods, it is possible to reduce the number of June bugs congregating near your home.
Why June Bugs Are Drawn to Light
The phenomenon driving June bugs toward artificial illumination is known as positive phototaxis, a movement toward a light source. Nocturnal insects historically relied on distant celestial light sources, like the moon and stars, for navigation. Because these natural sources are so far away, the light rays are parallel, allowing the insect to maintain a straight flight path by keeping the light at a constant angle.
When a June bug encounters a close, artificial light source, this natural navigation system becomes confused. The beetle continuously attempts to adjust its orientation, resulting in the erratic, spiraling flight pattern often observed around porch lights. This disorientation is also explained by the dorsal light response, where the insect instinctively tries to keep the brightest light source above it, causing it to flip and circle around a lamp positioned below.
Adjusting Light Sources to Reduce Attraction
The most effective way to deter June bugs is by addressing the type of light used, as they are highly attracted to short-wavelength light, including ultraviolet (UV) and blue light. These colors mimic the light found in nature that nocturnal insects use for navigation.
To make outdoor fixtures less appealing, homeowners should switch from cool-white or bright-white bulbs to those that emit longer wavelengths, such as yellow or amber light. These colors fall outside the 300 to 500 nanometer range where insect vision is most sensitive, making the light less visible and enticing to the beetles. Look for bulbs specifically labeled as insect-repellent or bug lights, which minimize output in the attractive blue and UV spectrums.
Modern LED bulbs are an excellent choice because they naturally produce less UV radiation and heat compared to older incandescent bulbs. Warm-colored LEDs, typically rated around 2700 Kelvin, offer a practical balance of usable light for humans and reduced attraction for pests. High-pressure sodium vapor lamps, which cast a distinct orange glow, are also effective at deterring insects due to their specific spectral output.
Another simple adjustment involves limiting the amount of time the light is active and reducing its overall intensity. Switching to motion-sensor lighting ensures the fixture is only illuminated when needed, drastically cutting down on the opportunity for June bugs to gather. Using lower-wattage bulbs or installing a dimmer switch can also reduce the beacon effect that draws the insects from a distance.
Physical Barriers and Trapping Solutions
Beyond changing the light itself, physical barriers and strategic placement can further reduce June bug encounters. Installing fine mesh screening or netting around patios, decks, or individual light fixtures creates a direct physical barrier that prevents the insects from reaching the illumination source. This approach is effective in enclosed outdoor living spaces where complete exclusion is desired.
Strategic positioning of lights can also redirect June bugs away from high-traffic areas, such as doorways and sitting areas. Using landscape lighting positioned farther away from the home’s main structure can draw insects toward the yard perimeter instead of the porch. This spatial displacement moves the problem away from where people gather.
Simple, non-toxic traps can be deployed to intercept and control adult June bug populations. A basic light trap involves placing a light fixture over a wide, shallow container filled with water and a small amount of dish soap. The insects are drawn to the light, eventually falling into the soapy water, which breaks the surface tension and prevents them from escaping.
This type of trap should be placed about 30 feet away from the house to lure the beetles away from the main living spaces. Adult June bugs can also be caught using a narrow-necked container baited with a mixture of half a cup of molasses and half a cup of water. These simple traps provide a continuous control method to manage the population around the property.