June Bugs: What You Need to Know

Need to get rid of June bugs? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

What Is A June Bug?

If you are confused as to what a June bug is, don’t worry, there’s a reason for that: “June bug” is a colloquial name given to one of several different beetles you may find in your area. You may have also seen these same bugs referred to as “May beetles” or “June beetles.” Their scientific name is Phyllophaga and they resemble the scarabs you might have seen in ancient Egyptian iconography. 

One of the reasons for the June bug’s name is that the beetle’s mating season occurs in late May and early June. Some June bugs are nocturnal, but green June bugs are active during the day. Though they have wings, they are poor flyers and you will often find them crashing into your windows and screens as they try to fly toward your lights indoors. 

What Do June Bugs Look Like?

June bugs can be anywhere from 0.5 of an inch to over 1 inch in length. They are blackish or reddish-brown and don’t have any prominent markings. The variety of June bug found in the eastern United States is commonly known as the green June beetle and has dull, metallic green wings with gold sides and bright green head, legs and underside. 

What Do June Bugs Eat?

Adult June bugs are what is known as “chafers,” meaning that they eat leaves of trees and shrubs. They have also been known to eat flowers. The larval form of the beetle, or the white grub, lives in the soil and eats plant roots, particularly grasses. Occasionally, you might find June bugs in your vegetable garden feeding on lettuce, berries, potatoes and young trees. 

Are June Bugs Dangerous?

June bugs do not bite humans so they don’t pose any bodily threat, but they can cause property damage if you have a large infestation. White grubs are considered pests when found in gardens, nurseries, lawns and golf courses and can cause significant damage if a large infestation of white grubs are feeding on the roots of your plants and grass. The decimation of these roots can create large brown or possibly bald patches in your lawn. The presence of June bugs can also attract larger pests and vermin like moles/voles and crows to your yard creating a much larger nuisance. 

How Do I Know If I Have A June Bug Infestation?

If you notice that there are a lot of birds, particularly crows, on your lawn pulling at the roots of your lawn to get to the June bug grubs, you might have a June bug problem. Brown, dry patches in your lawn may be another indicator of a white grub issue. If you have been waking up to find small holes that have been dug in your lawn, it’s possible they are being dug by skunks searching for grubs, another sign you might have an issue that needs to be checked out.

When Should I Call Pest Control for June Bugs?

If you think you might have a June bug or white grub problem in your yard or garden, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts in pest control.

Call Pest Control Experts today to get a free quote and to schedule your home pest inspection as soon as possible