June bugs are a familiar presence during warm evenings, recognized by their distinctive buzzing flight and attraction to lights. Their nocturnal activity and characteristic thud against windows or screens signal the arrival of warmer months.
Identifying June Bugs
June bugs, also known as May beetles or June beetles, are a common name for over 100 species of scarab beetles, primarily within the genus Phyllophaga. Adults typically measure 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in length, possessing a thick, oval-shaped body. Their coloration ranges from reddish-brown to dark brown, though some species, like the green June beetle, can be metallic green. Their hard, shiny wing covers, called elytra, protect their delicate flying wings. They have six sturdy legs and antennae that can appear clubbed or fanned.
Life Cycle and Habits
The life cycle of a June bug typically spans one to three years, depending on the species and environmental conditions. It begins when female June bugs lay eggs in the soil, usually about 2 to 5 inches deep, during late spring or early summer. After approximately three weeks, small, C-shaped larvae, commonly known as white grubs, hatch from these eggs. These grubs spend most of their life underground, feeding voraciously on plant roots, particularly those of grasses, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
As temperatures drop in the fall, grubs burrow deeper into the soil to overwinter, returning closer to the surface to feed in the spring. After several months or even years in the larval stage, they transition into the pupal stage, undergoing metamorphosis within protective chambers in the soil. Adult June bugs emerge from the soil in late May to early June, primarily active during the evening hours. While adults feed on the leaves of trees, shrubs, and other plants, they cause minimal damage.
Their Role and Impact
June bugs play a role in their ecosystem, both as larvae and adults. As grubs, they contribute to nutrient cycling by feeding on decaying organic matter and plant roots in the soil. This activity helps aerate the soil and return nutrients. Adult June bugs and their larvae serve as a food source for a variety of animals, including birds, bats, raccoons, skunks, moles, and other insects, supporting local biodiversity.
Despite their ecological contributions, June bugs can become a nuisance, particularly in their larval stage. White grubs feeding on plant roots can cause significant damage to lawns, gardens, and agricultural crops, leading to patches of dead or yellowed grass that can be rolled back like carpet. Adult beetles may defoliate plants, though this damage is usually minor compared to that caused by grubs. June bugs are generally harmless to humans and pets; they do not bite or sting and are not toxic if ingested, although consuming too many may lead to an upset stomach in pets.
Coexisting with June Bugs
Managing June bugs effectively involves targeting their grub stage and making your property less appealing to adults. Reducing outdoor lighting at night, especially white and ultraviolet lights, can help deter adult June bugs. Replacing traditional bulbs with yellow bug lights or LEDs can also be beneficial. Maintaining a healthy lawn makes it less susceptible to grub damage and less attractive for egg-laying, including regular mowing, adequate watering, and aeration to improve soil health.
Physical removal methods for adult June bugs include hand-picking them from plants at night or setting up simple traps. A mixture of molasses and water in a narrow-necked container can attract and trap adult beetles. For grub control, introducing beneficial nematodes or milky spores to the soil can naturally reduce their populations. Encouraging natural predators like birds, bats, and toads by creating a welcoming environment can also help control June bug numbers.