It might be July, but you may still notice the familiar hum of June bugs against your window, especially at night where there’s artificial light. Why? Because June bugs are highly active during the summer months and are drawn to artificial lighting—not just in June as their name might seem to imply! It’s not known exactly why June bugs are so attracted to light. Different hypotheses have been floated, including sexual attraction and light-distinction confusion. It is a common occurrence that we often witness during warm midsummer nights. Read on to learn more about this familiar summer bug!
June Bugs: What Are They?
June bugs are actually not one specific species. In fact, they are a collection of around 100 species of beetles. These many beetle species might look familiar to you due to their relation to scarabs, one of the most iconic ancient Egyptian symbols. Typically, these beetles range from one-half to five-eighths inches in length and are a muddy red hue.
June bugs are classified as beetles and also go by June beetle or May beetle. Like most other beetles, June bugs feature elytra, a shiny casing that covers their wings.
How Did They Get Their Name?
You might be wondering, “How did June bugs come by their name?” June bugs get their name because of the time adult June bugs surface; adult June beetles come up from the soil in late spring and early summer.
Female June bugs plant their eggs just below the soil’s topmost layer. These larvae hatch in three to four weeks, dining on plant roots and grass to survive. This can last for many months—and even up to three years! During spring and early summer, June bug larvae develop into pupae and quickly (in around three weeks) grow into the adult June bugs we see and hear.
Are June Bugs Harmful?
Generally speaking, June bugs pose no immediate threat to humans as other pests can. However, they can damage yards, pastures, and gardens.
June bugs are what’s known as chafers, which means they eat vegetation, most notably leaves. But their diet isn’t leaf-exclusive; it can consist of fruit, grains, wheat, corn, tree sap, grass, and flowers. This can be a sore spot for gardeners, farmers, and even homeowners who want to keep their property pest-free. June bugs are also nocturnal and feed during the evening to steer clear of predators.
Because of their natural attraction to artificial light, June bugs can also be an annoyance during summer nights. Outdoor floodights or ceiling fan lights can draw in an influx of June bugs, making an evening on the porch or patio undesirable. To make matters more complex, even indoor light can attract significant June bug attention.
What You Can Do About June Bugs
June bugs leave signs in your yard or garden that indicate a larvae infestation. This can include damaged plants or dead or dying grass patches. An overseeded lawn that’s well-maintained creates conditions that aren’t inviting for June bugs’ larvae.
Need more assistance with all the pests that seem to come your way? Get in touch with Vulcan Termite & Pest Control! We can help keep bugs, beetles, and other pests at bay, so you can enjoy more of your summer days and nights.
