Why Are June Bugs Called June Bugs? Your Guide To These Summer Pests

June bugs are those buzzing, clumsy beetles that crash into your porch light or scuttle across your garden. But why are June bugs called June bugs, and what makes them such persistent visitors?

As your knowledgeable guide, I am here to unravel the mystery behind their name and provide practical solutions to keep them at bay.

Let us dive into the world of June bugs!

 

Why are June Bugs Called June Bugs?

The term “June bug” refers to several beetle species, primarily from the Phyllophaga genus, known for their peak activity from late spring to early summer.

The name stems from their emergence in June across North America, particularly in the U.S., when temperatures reach 65 to 80°F, ideal for their lifecycle.

These scarab beetles, also called June beetles or May beetles in some regions, earned their moniker (name) because June marks their most visible phase, when they swarm around lights or munch on foliage.

The name is a nod to their predictable seasonal timing, with sightings occurring between late May and early July.

In warmer climates, they may appear as early as April, but “June bug” stuck due to their widespread activity during this month in temperate regions.

 

Read also: Do June Bugs Bite?: The Truth Revealed

 

What Do June Bugs Look Like?

Now what do June bugs look like? Well, June bugs are stout, reddish-brown to black beetles, 0.5 to 1 inch long, with shiny wing covers and clumsy flight patterns.

There are over 200 Phyllophaga species in the United States, with common ones like Phyllophaga crinita dominating suburban areas.

They are nocturnal, drawn to lights, and often collide with windows or screens, creating their signature buzz.

 

What are the Key Features of a June Bug?

• Appearance: Oval, robust, with spiky legs and antennae that fan out like tiny combs.
• Behavior: They fly erratically at night, often crashing into surfaces; larvae (white grubs) live underground.
• Habitat: Lawns, gardens, and fields.

 

Why You Should Get Rid of June Bugs

June bugs may seem harmless, but their dual life stages (adults above ground; larvae below) pose challenges for homes and businesses.

What are the Damages Caused by Adult June Bugs?

Adult June bugs feed on leaves, flowers, and fruit, damaging gardens and ornamental plants. For homeowners, their nighttime buzzing and attraction to lights can disrupt outdoor events.

What are the Damages Caused by Larval June Bugs?

Their larvae, known as white grubs, are the real troublemakers, feeding on grass roots and causing brown, patchy lawns.

In commercial settings like golf courses or landscaping businesses, this damage can lead to costly repairs.

 

How to Control June Bugs

June bugs do not have to ruin your summer. Here is how to manage both adults and larvae effectively:

1. Deter Adults

June bugs are drawn to artificial lights, so dimming outdoor bulbs or switching to yellow LED lights reduces attraction. Also, using pheromone traps to capture adults has proven to be effective.

2. Target Larvae

Apply beneficial nematodes or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to lawns in early fall to kill grubs, hence reducing their population. You should also water thoroughly after application to drive treatments into the soil.

3. Maintain Your Property

Keep lawns healthy with proper watering and aeration to deter grub damage. Remove leaf piles and mulch near buildings to limit adult hiding spots.

4. Call A Pro For Tough Cases

For severe infestations, pest control professionals use targeted insecticides like imidacloprid. This is ideal for businesses or large properties.

 

Read also: 3 Types Of Red Ants And How To Help Get Rid Of Them

 

Conclusion

June bugs earn their name from their June emergence, buzzing into your life with an addiction to plant damage and lawn destruction.

By identifying them, understanding their impact, and using deterrents, larval treatments, and property maintenance, you can keep these beetles in check.

Why are June bugs called June bugs? Well, I am certain you know now!

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