How to Get Rid of June Bugs: Effective Strategies for Home & Garden
Maintain a pest-resistant yard all season with simple, eco-friendly solutions.
June bugs, also known as June beetles, emerge during the warm nights of late spring and summer, often becoming both a nuisance outdoors and a threat to plants and lawns. These beetles and their larvae can cause significant damage, but with the right approach, you can minimize their impact and reclaim your outdoor spaces.
What Are June Bugs?
June bugs are members of the Scarabaeidae family, with several common species including the Green June beetle and Ten-lined June beetle. Adults typically appear in late May or June, hence their name, and are recognizable by their metallic green or reddish-brown bodies. The real troublemakers are their larvae, known as white grubs, which live in the soil and feed on grass roots, causing brown patches and weakening lawns.
June Bug Lifecycle
- Egg: Laid in soil during early summer.
- Larva: White, C-shaped grubs that feed on grassroots for months.
- Pupa: Transformation period underground through late spring.
- Adult: Emerges to mate and lay eggs, repeating the cycle.
Why Are June Bugs a Problem?
Adult June bugs may chew on foliage and fruit, but their impact is minor compared to the damage caused by larvae. Grubs feed on plant roots, creating brown, dying patches in your lawn and making turf easy to pull up. Severe infestations can kill grass and even young garden plants. Because grubs are hidden, damage often goes unnoticed until it’s extensive.
How to Identify a June Bug Infestation
- Brown or dead patches in your lawn, which easily lift due to weakened roots.
- Increased animal activity such as birds, raccoons, or skunks digging for grubs.
- Presence of adult beetles clinging to doors, windows, or porch lights at night.
How to Get Rid of June Bugs: Step-by-Step Guide
The best defense against June bugs is a mix of direct control methods, ongoing maintenance, and prevention strategies. Below are proven ways to tackle both larvae and adult beetles.
1. Replace Outdoor Lighting
June bugs are highly attracted to light, especially porch and garden lights in the blue-to-white spectrum (300-650 nanometers). To reduce attraction:
- Switch to yellow, orange, or LED bulbs designed to minimize insect attraction.
- Use motion-sensor lights that activate only with movement, reducing unnecessary nighttime lighting.
Changing light bulbs is a simple, non-toxic way to discourage June bugs from gathering around entryways and patios.
2. Set Up June Bug Traps
Homemade traps can capture adult beetles and reduce egg-laying. Try this simple method:
- Mix half a cup of molasses with half a cup of water in a wide-mouthed jar or bottle.
- Place a funnel or cone at the opening to guide bugs inside.
- Set near outdoor lights at night. The sweet smell lures them in, where they drown.
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This approach helps manage small outbreaks but may not address heavy infestations.
3. Introduce Beneficial Nematodes
Nematodes are microscopic worms that are safe, natural predators of June bug larvae. Purchase beneficial nematodes from a reputable garden supplier and apply them to moist soil, especially during late spring and early summer when grubs are most active. For best results:
- Mix nematodes with water according to directions and apply with a garden sprayer or watering can.
- Repeat treatments annually for several years to break the June bug lifecycle.
4. Use Milky Spore Disease
Milky spore (Paenibacillus popilliae) is a bacterium that specifically targets Japanese beetle and some June bug grubs. Apply it in fall when the soil is moist but not frozen. It takes time to establish but offers long-lasting, environmentally friendly control.
- Spread granules or powder over the lawn and water in well.
- Establishment may take 2-3 years but can provide up to 15 years of protection with annual reapplication.
5. Encourage Natural Predators
Attract wildlife that preys on June bugs and their grubs:
- Install bird feeders and birdbaths to invite insect-eating birds.
- Create habitats for toads, bats, and nonvenomous snakes by providing water sources, shelter, and minimizing chemical use.
- Allow beneficial insects to thrive by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides.
6. Maintain a Clean Porch and Lawn
Good sanitation discourages June bugs and other pests. Follow these tips:
- Remove leaves, food debris, and clutter from patios and doorways.
- Repair leaky faucets or standing water that attract thirsty bugs.
- Sweep and rinse surfaces regularly to eliminate hiding spots.
- Bag and discard grass clippings instead of leaving them on the lawn if an outbreak is present.
7. Lawn Care Best Practices
- Rake your lawn frequently to remove thatch, exposing larvae to predators and reducing food sources for adults.
- Water deeply but infrequently (1-1.5 inches per week) to encourage deep root growth and make conditions less favorable for egg-laying.
- Mow at a higher setting (3-4 inches) to support healthy turf, as June beetles prefer short grass for laying eggs.
- Fertilize appropriately to increase plant resilience to grub feeding.
Regular lawn maintenance is key to making your yard less attractive to June bugs and minimizing grub damage.
How to Prevent June Bug Infestations
Besides treatment, prevention is crucial for long-term control. Incorporate these strategies:
- Monitor regularly in late spring and early summer for adult beetle activity and grub presence.
- Keep grass at a moderate height and avoid overwatering.
- Encourage biodiversity in your yard to support natural predators.
- Remove unnecessary night lighting or switch to bug-resistant bulbs.
- Use physical barriers such as window screens to keep beetles out of the house.
Using Chemical Controls
For severe or persistent infestations, chemical controls may be considered. Apply only as needed and always follow product directions.
| Product | Application Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dominion 2L | Lawn & Home Perimeter | Systemic; effective against larvae and adults; apply in June/July |
| Merit 75 WSP, Imidacloprid 2F, Marathon II | Lawns & Gardens | Target larvae; effect may vary by species |
| Bonide Fruit Tree Guard | Fruit Trees | Broad-spectrum; use to limit secondary feeding |
Take care to avoid overapplication and consider impacts on pollinators and beneficial insects. Always store chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
Special Considerations for Gardens and Orchards
Orchards, especially almond and fruit tree groves, must take extra precautions:
- Inspect and remove infested trees if grub damage is severe.
- Soil fumigation may be necessary prior to replanting in areas with persistent infestations.
- Monitor roots of dead or dying trees for larval damage to identify the extent of the problem before planting new trees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What attracts June bugs to my home?
A: June bugs are mainly drawn to bright lights at night and will congregate on porches, windows, and entryways illuminated after dark.
Q: Are June bugs harmful to humans or pets?
A: Adult June bugs are not harmful to humans or pets. They do not bite or sting, but their larvae can damage lawns, which may indirectly affect pets if they dig for grubs.
Q: Can June bug infestations reoccur?
A: Yes, because June bugs have a multiyear life cycle, infestations can reappear each year unless the cycle is interrupted through consistent lawn maintenance and treatment.
Q: Are chemical treatments necessary to remove June bugs?
A: Chemical treatments are not always required. Often, natural methods and good maintenance suffice for small outbreaks. Reserve chemicals for heavy infestations and use with caution.
Q: How long does it take to see results after treating for June bugs?
A: With natural methods (like nematodes and milky spore), allow at least a season or two for the population to decrease. Chemical controls usually produce faster, visible results within weeks.
Key Takeaways for June Bug Control
- Act early: Treat as soon as you notice June bug or grub activity.
- Combine methods: Use both direct removal and preventive strategies for best results.
- Promote biodiversity: A healthy, predator-friendly yard keeps June bug populations low naturally.
- Consult professionals: For persistent or severe cases, seek guidance from local pest control experts or extension offices.
Additional Resources
For further reading or expert advice, contact your local agricultural extension office or reputable pest control providers. For environmentally safe products, visit garden centers and ask about biological controls like nematodes and milky spore tailored to your region.
References
- https://garretyhomepros.com/about/blog/tips-on-getting-rid-of-june-bugs/
- https://www.solutionsstores.com/june-beetle-control
- https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/almond/tenlined-june-beetle/
- https://www.orkin.com/pests/beetles/june-bugs
- https://sodsolutions.com/insect-pest-control/what-are-may-and-june-beetles-and-how-to-control-them/
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/diseases/may-or-june-beetle
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