June bugs can be a huge pain for anyone with a garden. These shiny, brown beetles always seem to pop up at the worst times—buzzing around your porch lights at night and munching on your plants during the day. If you’ve noticed these little pests taking over your garden or hanging out by your lights, you’re definitely not alone. There are plenty of ways to get rid of them and keep them from coming back. In this guide, we’ll dive into what June bugs are, what brings them around, how to spot an infestation, and—most importantly—how to send them packing!
What Are June Bugs?
June bugs, also known as May beetles or June beetles, are large, brown beetles from the Scarabaeidae family. These pests are most active during late spring and early summer, which is how they got their name. Adult June bugs are pretty easy to spot—they’re about 1 to 1.5 inches long and have a shiny brown or black look. They’ve got rounded bodies and strong wings that make a buzzing sound as they fly around.
The life of a June bug goes through a few stages: egg, larvae (grubs), pupae, and adult beetle. The adults are the ones you see buzzing around your lights or munching on your plants. Meanwhile, their larvae live underground, feeding on grass roots and other plant matter. This is where they cause the most damage, especially when the grubs start feasting on your lawn!
What Attracts June Bugs?
To keep June bugs from taking over your garden and home, it’s important to understand what attracts them in the first place. There are a few key factors that make your property a prime spot for these pesky beetles:
- Light: One of the main things that attracts adult June bugs is light. Just like moths, they’re drawn to bright outdoor lights, especially at night. If you’ve got bright porch or garden lights, expect to see a lot more beetles buzzing around.
- Plants: Some plants, especially those with sweet scents or soft leaves, are big draws for June bugs. These beetles feed on leaves and flowers, causing damage to your plants. They especially love roses, fruit trees, and ornamental plants.
- Moist & Rich Soil: The larvae, or grubs, of June bugs prefer rich, moist, and fertile soil. If your lawn or garden has poor drainage or stays wet, it could become the perfect place for these pests to thrive.
How Do I Know I Have a June Bug Problem in the Garden?
The first step in tackling a June bug problem is recognizing that you have one. Here are the telltale signs that your garden or lawn might be dealing with a June bug infestation:
Buzzing Adult Beetles:
In late spring and summer, you might spot adult June bugs flying around your lights during the evening or early morning. They’re most active at night, so keep an eye out for them buzzing around your home after sunset.
Damage to Plants:
June bugs munch on plant leaves, flowers, and tree bark. If you notice small, irregular holes or chewed-up spots on your plants, that’s a clue that adult beetles are snacking on them. They especially love soft leaves and flowers, so keep a lookout on roses, fruit trees, and shrubs.
Lawn Damage:
A major sign of a June bug issue is the damage caused by their larvae. These grubs feed on grass roots, leading to patches of dead or dying grass. If you see areas of your lawn turning brown or thinning out, it could be due to grubs feeding beneath the surface..
How to Get Rid of June Bugs?
Now that you know what attracts June bugs and how to spot an infestation, let’s dive into the best ways to get rid of them in your garden and home. The good news is, you’ve got plenty of options—ranging from natural solutions to simple DIY tricks.
Dealing with Adult Beetles
Since adult June bugs are drawn to light, a simple fix is to cut down on the lighting in your garden or yard.
Turn off those Lights
Keep porch and garden lights off, especially at night when June bugs are most active. You can also switch to yellow or bug-repellent bulbs, as these attract fewer beetles.
DIY Traps
Make your own traps to catch June bugs! Set up a light source, like a lantern or lamp, near a bucket of soapy water. The light draws in the beetles, and when they fly toward it, they’ll fall into the soapy water and drown. This is a great way to reduce the number of adult beetles in your yard.
Remove them by hand
If you spot adult beetles on your plants, simply pick them off by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. It might feel a bit tedious, but it’s a quick and effective way to control small infestations.
Natural Repellents
You can also spray a mix of essential oils, like citronella or eucalyptus, to repel June bugs. Just add a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle, shake it up, and apply it to your plants. The strong scent will keep the beetles away!
Dealing with June Bug Larvae (Grubs)
The larvae of June bugs are the real troublemakers when it comes to lawn damage. These grubs munch on grass roots, causing brown patches and thinning areas in your lawn. Here’s how to tackle them:
Beneficial Insects
One of the best ways to control grubs naturally is by adding beneficial insects, like nematodes, to your lawn. Nematodes are tiny, microscopic worms that target and kill grubs. You can find them at garden centers or online, and they’re easy to apply by simply watering them into your lawn.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is another natural option. It’s a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of marine plankton. Safe for humans and pets, it’s deadly to insects. Just sprinkle it over your lawn or garden to take out larvae and prevent more damage.
Tidy Lawn
Keeping your lawn healthy is key to preventing June bug issues. Aerate your lawn regularly to improve drainage and avoid the moist conditions that grubs love. Make sure to mow your lawn and avoid over-watering, which can create the perfect environment for the larvae.
How to Keep June Bugs Away for Good?
The best way to deal with June bugs is to stop them from coming back in the first place. Start by reducing outdoor lighting, since these beetles are drawn to bright lights at night. Switching to motion-sensor lights or yellow bulbs can make a big difference.
Another simple trick is to water your lawn and garden early in the morning instead of at night. This helps the soil dry out during the day, making it less inviting for June bugs and their larvae.
Choosing the right plants can also help—some flowers and herbs – such as mint, basil or lavender – with strong scents naturally repel insects, so consider adding those to your garden.
Finally, keep an eye on your lawn by checking the soil for grubs, especially in late spring and early summer. If you spot any, treat the area with natural solutions like nematodes or diatomaceous earth to stop an infestation before it starts. With these easy steps, you can keep June bugs from turning your yard into their new home!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best deterrent for June bugs?
The best way to keep June bugs away is to cut down on outdoor lighting at night—switching to yellow bulbs can help. Planting herbs like mint, basil, or lavender also works since their strong scents naturally repel bugs.
What scent keeps June bugs away?
June bugs dislike the smell of citronella and eucalyptus oils. Spraying a mix of these oils around your plants can help keep them away.
Why are June bugs bad?
June bugs damage plants by feeding on leaves, flowers, and tree bark. Their larvae also destroy lawns by eating grass roots, causing brown patches in your yard.
How long do June bugs last?
June bugs are most active from late spring to early summer. Their adult life lasts about 3-6 weeks, while their larvae can stay in the soil for several months.
