Everything You Need to Know About June Bugs
In the summertime, you may be on the lookout for biting or stinging insects like fire ants, yellowjackets or mosquitoes that make spending time outdoors less than enjoyable. However, these warm-weather pests aren't the only ones that make you want to stay indoors. Late spring or early summer is when June bugs make their appearance. While they don't bite or infest your home, June bugs can do a number on your yard or garden, so most homeowners want to know what they can do to get rid of them.
What Is a June Bug?
June bugs, also known as June beetles or May bugs, are a common pest for gardeners and farmers, as their larvae present a huge problem for plants and lawns. They get their name because they tend to show up in June in North America. There are around 260 different types of June bugs that each pose a different kind of threat, but these are the two most common types that may cross your path:
Common June Bug
Common June bugs can range in length from 12 to 35 millimeters and in color from blackish to mahogany. They have no markings and have a hairy texture on their under-bodies. While the adult bugs enjoy feasting on fruits, vegetables and lush foliage, the larvae cause the most damage because they commonly eat the roots of backyard plants and lawns, leaving brown patches and decimated leaves in their wake. June bugs rest during the day and take flight in the evening. They are attracted to light, so homeowners should keep their windows closed in May and June to prevent the bugs from intruding. Luckily, these bugs are harmless and will not bite you or your pets, so it's not a big deal if they do get in.
Green June Beetle
The green June beetle is another common beetle active during the summer. This beetle is slightly smaller than the June bug, measuring 15 to 22 millimeters, and most of its body is a shiny green color, giving it a very bright and noticeable appearance. The green June beetle is most commonly found on the eastern U.S. coast, from Georgia up to Maine. These pests will feed on fruits and berries, which can be detrimental to farmers and home gardeners. Like the Common June Bug, Green June Beetle larvae will also nibble on your lawn or turf grass, posing another threat to your backyard. If you have a green June bug issue, it may be time to explore some pesticide options.
Life Cycle
When dealing with the different types of June bugs, it helps to understand their life cycle. Both the June bug and green June beetle have similar life cycles. The female will lay between 60 and 75 eggs underground during a two-week period in the mid-summer months. After around 18 days, the eggs will hatch, and the grubs emerge. These grubs are white and have a brown-black head.
The larval stage lasts around 9 to 10 months and ends with the larvae pupating. These larvae will feed on the roots of plants, proving to be a massive nuisance to farmers and gardeners. The pupal stage lasts for three weeks, after which the pupa will begin transforming into its adult form. This stage is when June bugs take on their usual shape and reddish-brown or metallic green color. The adults will eventually appear when the weather is at its hottest to will feed on foliage and fruits.
What Are June Bugs Good For?
While you may find June bugs annoying when they swarm your outdoor lights and munch on your plants, they are actually an important food source for other wildlife. Lizards, birds, frogs and rodents enjoy crunching on these pests, and having these other animals around can also help control other summertime insects.
Eliminate June Bugs with MosquitoNix®
If you notice a June bug or green June beetle infestation in your backyard, don't wait for the problem to go away on its own. Since most of these insects' life cycles occur underground, it will be quite difficult to exterminate the population by yourself. If you're tired of seeing beetles in your backyard and dealing with the destruction they cause, contact MosquitoNix®. We have extensive experience removing beetles and other summer pests from your home and yard. Contact our professional customer service team to learn more about our services and to receive a free cost estimate.
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