Lights, buzz, action: June bugs are back in Texas
AgriLife Extension shares key facts and management tips for these summer beetle visitors
They appear at your porch light. They thud against windows. They dive-bomb you during evening walks. June bugs are out in full force in Texas.
These clumsy beetles may seem annoying, but they’re mostly harmless. Wizzie Brown, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service senior program specialist with the Texas A&M Department of Entomology, Austin, shares what Texans need to know about June bugs, including their environmental benefits and how to deal with them around your home.
What are June bugs?
First, let’s clear up the name.
The nickname “June bug” refers to several species of scarab beetles. This nickname can be misleading, as June bugs typically emerge in late spring and stick around through the end of summer. The most common names in Texas are the May or June beetle, the green June beetle and, of course, the June bug.
What’s their biggest draw? Light. Porch lights, uncovered windows or any bright nighttime glow will draw them in — often with a crash landing.
“They’re not great at flying,” Brown said, explaining that June bugs rely solely on their hind wings, often resulting in awkward landings.
Did you know?
While “June bug” is one of the common terms people use to describe these flying beetles, it’s technically incorrect!
According to the Entomological Society of America’s common name guidelines, the proper common name is June beetle, a term that refers to several scarab beetles found across Texas.
Are June bugs harmful to humans?
Despite their large numbers, adult June beetles are mostly harmless to people.
“They don’t sting, and while they have mandibles that can bite, they rarely do,” Brown said.
And although their legs feel spiky, Brown said that’s because of the tiny spines on their legs that help them grip — not hurt.
Ecosystem benefits of larvae and adults
In terms of ecosystem roles, the adult beetles serve a purpose. They’re a food source for birds, lizards, fish and other predators. Their larvae, commonly called white grubs, are decomposers that break down organic matter in soil. However, they can be considered pests if they damage lawns.
“Grubs can be beneficial in compost piles,” Brown said, “but if they’re eating turfgrass roots, they can become pests.”
How to keep June bugs away
If you’d like to reduce June bug activity around your home:
Need local, expert advice?
Speak with an AgriLife Extension agent about relevant resources and programs tailored for your county.
- Turn off porch lights or use bug-safe bulbs until the end of summer, when June bugs begin to disappear.
- Check your turf before treating it. If you suspect damage from grubs, confirm they’re the cause before applying any treatments. Use products formulated for turf, and only where needed, to avoid harming beneficial organisms and insects.
Bottom line: Don’t bug out
June bugs may not be the most graceful summer guests. However, they’re more misunderstood than harmful. And they just might be playing a bigger role in your backyard than you think.
Identify insects, contribute to science
Brown recommends the iNaturalist app as a fun way for bug enthusiasts to track and identify insects. By using the app, you can contribute to citizen science projects and biodiversity research.
“It’s a great tool for learning and helping researchers track biodiversity,” she said.
