Here’s Everything You Need To Know About June Bugs

If you've ever enjoyed an early summer evening on the patio, only to be disturbed by bugs flying around your twinkly lights or throwing themselves against your window screens, you're likely familiar with June bugs. Despite the cutesy name, the insect can be a bit of a nuisance. While the adults don't sting or bite, the larvae can spell trouble for your garden or lawn. Here's everything you need to know about June bugs, plus how to get rid of them.

What Are June Bugs?

June bugs are a type of scarab beetle in the genus Phyllophaga (it is not a cockroach). There are hundreds of June bug-like species across North America and more than 100 Phyllophaga species. A common species found in the South is the green June beetle. "These adult beetles are very common and can be seen flying towards the light during early summer evenings," says Midhula Gireesh, assistant professor and extension specialist in the University of Tennessee's Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. "As they are weak flyers, they are often seen crashing into windows or porch screens." June bugs range in size from just over half an inch to nearly 1 inch long, and their color varies from reddish-brown to almost black.

Why Are They Called June Bugs?

Technically a beetle, these insects are commonly referred to as June bugs because the adults emerge from the soil in late May or early June. This also explains why they're sometimes called May beetles in different parts of the country. Additionally, adults also eat plant leaves, which is why they were given the genus name Phyllophaga, which means "leaf eater."

What Is The Lifecycle of A June Bug?

Depending on the species, June bugs have a life cycle from one to a few years. "Adults emerge in late May and early June, and are active during evening hours," Gireesh says. After mating, females burrow a few inches into the soil to lay dozens of eggs in July and early August. After three to four weeks (sometimes less, depending on the species), the eggs hatch into larvae, which are known as white grubs.

The grubs, which are generally 3/4 to 2 inches long, stay underground in the soil for several seasons, feeding on grass roots. How long the grubs stay underground depends on the species, she notes. Many white grubs in Tennessee, for example, spend about 10 months in the soil, while other species will stay in the ground for up to two years. "In mild weather, they live 1 to 3 inches below the surface of the lawn," Gireesh says. "However, in winter, they go much deeper into the soil."

Are June Bugs Bad?

While June bugs won’t bite or sting people or pets, they’re not entirely harmless. Largely dormant during the day, adult June bugs come out at night and are attracted to light, meaning that they may be a nuisance around outdoor lighting, or they might try to fly inside your home. They will also munch on your plant leaves.

It’s the larval stages, however, of June bugs that prove more destructive, says Whitman C. Wesley, vice president of Athena Pest Control in Mountain Brook, Alabama. “The grubs can be detrimental to lawns and gardens because they eat the roots of grasses, vegetables, and ornamental plants,” he says.

The damage white grubs create by eating the plant roots can prevent the proper absorption of water and nutrients. "This results in yellowing or browning of foliage and drought-like symptoms, even with excellent moisture conditions," Gireesh explains. "Heavy infestations can make the ground spongy to the step."

The larvae can cause trouble above ground, too, notes Wesley. "Grubs can attract other unwanted pests—like moles, raccoons, and rodents—that can dig up your yard while searching for the larvae."

What Are June Bugs Good For?

"Having a small number of June bugs in the lawn can be beneficial as their tunneling helps with soil aeration," Gireesh says. "However, excessive tunneling eventually damages the lawn by breaking the bond between plant roots and soil. This makes it challenging for the turf to receive water and nutrients, resulting in serious damage."

Folks who enjoy fishing will find another benefit: The white grubs make excellent bait, so if you’re planning to hit the fishing hole anytime soon, you may want to do a little yard work.

How to Get Rid of June Bugs

"Understanding the history of June bug damage in your area and monitoring for these insects are very important for managing this pest," Gireesh advises. "Maintain plant health through proper irrigation, fertilization, and other practices which help minimize the impacts of damage from May/June beetles." Make sure to irrigate the area thoroughly before using an insecticide, which you should only use if warranted, because it will also kill useful bugs. If you do use an insecticide, water after the treatment to help implant the chemicals into the soil.

For advice specific to your area, Wesley recommends contacting your local extension agency, which provides agricultural education and advice for farmers in the area.