Although not as annoying as itchy bump - inducingmosquitoesor stingingwasps , the so - called " June hemipterous insect , " or June beetle , can still bring its own blade of problem , come later spring .
These beetles , often accredit by their rich bodies and reddish - brown shell , have a peculiar bearing in many backyards and outdoor area . Their behavior , while not as instantly bothersome as some other insect , touch at a more complex life wheel and encroachment on the environment .
The June bug ’s activities , both hear and unobserved , play a discrete role in the ecological balance . From their interaction with loose author to their unseen contributions to the ecosystem , these creatures embody a enchanting facet of the natural earthly concern .
What Is a June Bug?
These beetlesare members of the exceptionally diverse family ofScarabaeidae(scarab ) mallet , which bit more than 30,000 specie , 200 of which are North American June beetles . They are about a half - column inch ( 1.27 centimetre ) long and with a reddish - browned color . Their scientific name , or genus , isPhyllophaga , which means " leaf eater " in Greek .
These louse are sometimes referred to as May bugs , as they show up at slightly different times depending on their fix .
" In our area , they emerge in May and start laying eggs by June and continue throughout the summertime , the adults will congregate around light at night , " emails David Lofquist , region technical training director forArrow Exterminators , which chiefly serve the Southeastern United States . " So , the moniker June bug is appropriate . "
A duo of June bugs fly around are no big sight , maybe a small annoying .
" For most people , the adult may be a pain in the evening 60 minutes because they are clumsy fliers and may collide with people , doors , window and other physical object , " says Dr. Angela Tucker , entomologist and expert manager withTerminixvia email .
June hemipteron are nocturnal , feed at nighttime to avoid their many vulture , so that ’s why they become an issue once the sunshine goes down . They ’re also attracted to light , which is why they hit the windows .
" They are harmless to us in that they will not bite or sting ; however , several metal money will badly damage crop , greensward and ornamental , " Lofquist excuse .
This is particularly likely if you ’re conduct with an irruption of Japanese mallet , which are in the same kinsperson as June germ . These slight sodomite are aninvasive speciesthat wreak havoc on garden and decorative trees , as they masticate bloom , fruit and leaves down to practically nothing .
June Bugs and Grass
Most of the time , however , the main trouble with June hemipteran in reality occurs far before they learn to fly . During the larval stage , these " white grubs " live in the territory , where they feed on the tooth root of plant life and turf smoke , Lofquist note . " This is sorry news for golf grade and lawns , " he says .
" June bug larvae cut grass at the root , leave behind dry , bald-headed patches in lawns , " explains Glen Ramsey , entomologist and expert services manager forOrkinvia email .
That ’s not where the peril of June bug grub ends , however . " They can destruct several crops like strawberry mark , maize and potatoes . Their larva can also draw larger beast like moles and voles that will dig out through garden and thousand to hound them , " he adds .
Fortunately , the grub microscope stage is also the easiest to deal . " Lawn areas can be treated with chondritic Cartesian product that are judge for grub controller in other summertime , " Lofquist say . " This will help to minimize turf impairment . "
Keeping June Bugs Away
Mature June hemipterous insect ( which have an impressive three - class life cycle ) , can be handled in a dissimilar way if they ’re get on your nerves in the evening .
" you may consider changing the out-of-door brightness bulbs to sodium vapor or halogen , " Tucker indicate . " Those bulb will attract few flying insects than other bulb eccentric . "
Just make certain to check that your scant fixing are compatible with such bulbs , she says . make this pinch deoxidize the " pharos effect " that lures beetle toward your home in the eventide .
Lofquist of Arrow says the adult hemipteron are very difficult to control . " gratefully , these beetles have many instinctive predator that are abundant in a distinctive suburban landscape painting : spiders , snakes , Gaul , razzing , cricket bat , and rodents all think June beetles are tasty , " he state . " They also have several species of parasitic WASP and tent flap that seek them out on a nightly basis . "
In regard to Japanese beetle , there are cup of tea - panache traps useable to keep down the plague . " It ’s near to install them downwind from the garden , " Lofquist says . " That path the attractants will lure them into the bag before reaching the garden . "
If all else fails , call in a professional to get the issuing under control . " Because of the impairment and property destruction June bug and their larvae can cause , it is salutary to call a pest ascendancy professional to grapple them sooner rather than later , " says Ramsey .
This article was update in conjunction with AI technology , then fact - check into and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
