With June’s arrival in Texas, your mind likely turns—aside from the rising heat—to Father’s Day and the many enjoyable ways to honor dad. One classic option is a laid-back evening in the yard, once the sun dips low and the air becomes just cool enough for a refreshing drink and good conversation. That is, unless a few unexpected “fathers” (yes, quite literally) show up and spoil the fun.
If you’ve ever spent a summer evening outdoors in Texas, especially near a porch light, chances are you’ve crossed paths with the bumbling June bug. These medium-sized beetles are well-known for swarming around lights during early summer nights, often crashing into windows—or people—with their erratic flight patterns. While no one’s entirely sure why they’re so drawn to light, research shows that most of the ones flitting around your fixtures are male. And since June marks peak mating season, there’s a good chance these uninvited guests are literally fathers. So, how do you keep these “dads” from spoiling your own Father’s Day plans? Keep reading to learn more about these pests—and then call The Bug Dude at 800-310-BUGS (2847) to make sure your celebration stays bug-free.
What do June Bugs Look Like?
June bugs are reddish-brown beetles measuring about 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch long. They feature glossy wing covers—known as elytra—that create a hard shell when not in flight, along with three pairs of legs that are notably sticky, helping them cling to a wide range of surfaces. As larvae, they appear as white grubs up to an inch long, curled into a “C” shape, with cream-colored bodies and brown heads. While adult June bugs are the ones you’ll most often notice buzzing around your yard, it’s actually the larval stage that causes the most damage.
Why are they Called “June Bugs”?
The names “June bug,” “May beetle” (another common label), and “white grub” (referring to the larval stage) are broad terms used for more than 100 species of scarab beetles found across Texas. Some species, like Phyllophaga crinita, are more commonly encountered than others. These insects earn their seasonal nickname due to the noticeable increase in adult activity during late spring and early summer. Adults begin emerging from the soil in spring, with peak activity typically hitting in mid to late June. During this period, mating occurs, and females lay between 75 to 100 eggs about 2 to 5 inches below the soil’s surface, while males often continue circling lights. Within 3 to 4 weeks, the eggs hatch into small white grubs, which will spend the next 1 to 2 years underground developing through multiple stages before finally surfacing as adults.
Where do June Bugs Live?
June bugs are found across the United States, and as adults, they’re nocturnal feeders that are naturally drawn to light—making them hard to avoid around your home. By day, you might spot them clinging to window screens, resting on porches, or near outdoor lights, though many you encounter in daylight are often already dead. In their grub stage, they live 3 to 6 inches below the surface of the soil and are especially common in Texas lawns. Bermudagrass and St. Augustine grass are frequent targets, making these turf types particularly vulnerable.
What do June Bugs Eat?
June bugs feed on vegetation during both their adult and larval stages. As adults, they have a strong appetite for leaves and will munch on grass, flowers, fruits, and various food crops. While adult feeding can lead to visible damage in your yard, the most serious harm comes during the larval stage. White grubs consume the roots of grasses, weeds, garden vegetables, crops, and ornamental plants—causing extensive underground damage that often goes unnoticed until the plants begin to suffer.
Are June Bugs Dangerous?
Throughout their life cycle, June bugs pose no threat to humans or pets, but adult beetles can become a real annoyance—especially during outdoor evenings. Your lawn, on the other hand, isn’t so lucky. In the larval stage, these pests can cause serious damage to turf and plants. When white grub populations exceed five per square foot, they can devastate grass and roots. If you notice your lawn turning yellow or brown in patches during spring or fall—and the turf can be lifted like a piece of carpet—that’s a clear sign grubs have taken hold beneath the surface.
White grubs also happen to be a favorite snack for a variety of animals, and when grub populations are high, your yard can quickly become a feeding ground for pests like skunks, raccoons, armadillos, and moles. These critters will tear up your lawn as they dig for grubs and may become a problem themselves if they decide to stick around. Curious about how to handle these nuisance animals? Check out our articles on raccoons, armadillos, and moles for more information.
How do you Eliminate June Bugs?
When it comes to getting rid of June bugs, the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” couldn’t be more accurate. The most effective way to stop a June bug problem isn’t by targeting the adults—it’s by eliminating them at the source: their larvae. Controlling white grub populations is key to preventing the growth of a full-blown infestation and protecting your lawn from serious damage. Alongside expert help from The Bug Dude, maintaining a healthy, resilient yard is a crucial defense. Here are a few tips to help keep white grubs from settling in your lawn:
- Overseed thinning patches of turf to promote dense, healthy grass growth
- Dethatch your lawn regularly to reduce buildup that can shelter grubs
- Ensure proper irrigation and fertilization to keep grass strong and resilient
- Aerate your soil routinely to improve root development and discourage grubs
- Avoid mowing your lawn too short during summer, as longer grass offers better protection
If you’re noticing signs of white grub damage in your lawn—or spotting the grubs themselves—or if adult June bugs are swarming around your home in large numbers, don’t wait. Call The Bug Dude right away at 800-310-BUGS (2847), and let one of our experienced professionals assess the situation and provide the right solution.
Further Reading:
“June Beetle” – Field Guide to Common Texas Insects – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
“White Grubs and June Bugs: Lawn Party Crashers” – Nathan Riggs – Garden Style San Antonio
“How to Get Rid of June Bugs” – David Beaulieu – the spruce
“May/June Beetles” – P.J. Liesch, UW-Madison Entomology – University of Wisconsin-Madison Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension
