What Is A June Bug? Here’s What You Need To Know

The tiny pests go by many names—and they can wreak havoc on your lawn.

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, and 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.

Midhula Gireesh, PhD

Midhula Gireesh, PhD is Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee

Whitman C. Wesley is Vice President of Athena Pest Control in Mountain Brook, Alabama

What Are June Bugs?

"Beetles in the genus Phyllophaga are known collectively as June bugs or May/June beetles," says Dr. Midhula Gireesh, assistant professor and extension specialist in University of Tennessee's Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. "These adult beetles are very common and can be seen flying towards the light during early summer evenings. As they are weak flyers, they are often seen crashing into windows or porch screens." They range in size from just over half an inch to nearly one inch long, and their color varies from reddish-brown to almost black.

Why Are They Called June Bugs?

June beetles are commonly referred to as June bugs because the adult insects emerge from the soil in late May or early June, which likely explains why they're sometimes called May beetles as well.

What Is The Lifecycle of A June Bug?

"Depending on the species, June bugs have a life cycle of 1 to 2 years," says Gireesh. "Adults emerge in late May and early June, and are active during evening hours. Soon after mating, females burrow into the soil to lay eggs. The eggs laid in July and early August hatch into larvae. The emerging larvae, known as white grubs remain in the soil and feed on the grass roots during a couple of seasons. Most species of white grubs in Tennessee spend about 10 months in the ground with exception of some remaining in the soil for up to two years. In mild weather, they live 1-3 inches below the surface of the lawn. However, in winter, they go much deeper into the soil."

Check with your local agricultural extension agency for more specifics on the lifecycle of the beetles in your area.

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 may try to fly inside your home.

It’s the larval stages 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 feeding damage of white grubs on plant roots prevents proper uptake of water and nutrients. This results in yellowing or browning of foliage and drought-like symptoms even with excellent moisture conditions," explains Gireesh. "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," he says.

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," notes Gireesh. "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 may 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," advises Gireesh. "Maintain plant health through proper irrigation, fertilization, and other practices which help minimize the impacts of damage from May/June beetles. Irrigate thoroughly before treating with insecticides (only if warranted) and water after treatment to move the chemicals down off the grass and into the soil."

For advice specific to your area, Wesley recommends contacting your local extension agency.

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