How To Get Rid Of June Bugs

If you’re tired of June bugs crashing your summer evenings and munching on your plants, you’re not alone. This guide will show you how to get rid of june bugs using safe, natural methods that protect your garden’s ecosystem. These clumsy fliers can be a real nuisance, but with a few smart strategies, you can take back your yard.

June bugs, also known as June beetles, are the adult stage of white grubs. The beetles themselves feed on tree and shrub leaves, but their larval form is the real troublemaker for lawns. A natural approach focuses on breaking their life cycle without harming beneficial insects. Let’s look at the most effective ways to manage them.

A successful strategy combines immediate control for the adult beetles with long-term prevention targeting grubs. It’s best to start in late spring or early summer, just as the adults become active. Consistency is key, as these pests return yearly.

1. Hand-Picking at Dusk

It’s simple but surprisingly effective. Adult June bugs are slow and clumsy in the cool evening air.

Go out just after sunset with a bucket of soapy water.
Shake infested shrubs or trees gently to dislodge them.
Knock them directly into the bucket. The soap breaks the water’s surface tension, so they sink and drown quickly.

Do this for a few consecutive nights to make a significant dent in the local population. It’s a great task for kids to help with, too.

2. Use a Light Trap

June bugs are strongly attracted to light. You can use this against them.

Place a bucket or deep pan under a bright outdoor light after dark.
Fill it with a few inches of water and a squirt of dish soap.
The beetles will fly toward the light, hit it, and fall into the soapy water.

For better results, use a dedicated bug zapper or a light designed to attract insects away from your main sitting area. Just remember to empty the bucket in the morning.

3. Apply Milky Spore for Grub Control

This is a long-term, natural solution. Milky spore is a bacteria that specifically targets Japanese beetle and June bug grubs. It’s safe for pets, wildlife, and plants.

Apply the powdered milky spore to your lawn in a grid pattern, following package instructions.
Water it in lightly so it soaks into the soil.
The grubs ingest the spores, which multiply inside them and kill them.

As more grubs die, the spore population in your soil increases, creating a self-sustaining control that can last for years. It takes a season or two to become fully established, but its well worth the patience.

4. Introduce Beneficial Nematodes

These are microscopic worms that are deadly to soil-dwelling pests but harmless to everything else. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes are excellent for June bug grubs.

Purchase nematodes from a reputable garden center.
Mix them with water and apply to damp soil in the early morning or late evening (UV light harms them).
Keep the soil moist for a week after application so the nematodes can move and seek out grubs.

They enter the grub and release bacteria that kills it. Apply in spring or fall when grubs are actively feeding near the soil surface.

5. Maintain a Dry Lawn

Female June bugs prefer moist soil to lay their eggs. Overwatering your lawn in early summer creates the perfect nursery.

Water your lawn deeply but infrequently to encourage deep grass roots.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Fix any leaky sprinklers or areas of poor drainage.

A drier lawn is less inviting for egg-laying and can reduce next year’s grub population significantly. This also helps prevent fungal lawn diseases.

6. Encourage Natural Predators

Make your garden a welcoming place for animals that eat June bugs and grubs. This is a passive, hands-off control method.

Birds: Install bird feeders, bird baths, and nesting boxes. Robins, starlings, and crows love digging for grubs.
Moles and Skunks: While they can make a mess of your lawn, they are efficient grub hunters. Tolerating them a bit can help with control.
Raccoons and Opossums: They will also root around for grubs at night.

If you don’t want to encourage digging mammals, focus on attracting birds instead. They provide excellent natural pest control for many insects.

7. Use Neem Oil as a Deterrent

Neem oil is a natural insecticide from the neem tree. It works as both a repellent and an anti-feedant.

Mix neem oil concentrate with water and a little mild soap (as an emulsifier) according to the label.
Spray it directly on the leaves of plants that June bugs are eating, like roses or trees.
Reapply after heavy rain or every 5-7 days during peak beetle activity.

The taste and smell repel the beetles, and if they do eat it, it disrupts their growth and reproduction. It’s safe for most beneficial insects when applied at dusk or dawn.

Creating a Protective Barrier

For prized plants, you can use a physical barrier. Floating row covers placed over susceptible plants in the evening can prevent beetles from reaching them. Just remember to remove them during the day for pollination if needed. For tree trunks, a sticky barrier tape can catch some climbing insects, but use these with caution as they can also trap small beneficial creatures.

The Importance of Lawn Health

A thick, healthy lawn is your best defense against grub damage. Grubs eat grass roots, but a robust lawn can often outgrow minor damage.

Aerate your lawn annually to reduce soil compaction.
Overseed thin areas to keep the turf dense.
Mow at the recommended height for your grass type; longer grass has deeper roots.

Stressed, thin grass will show grub damage much more quickly. Healthy soil is the foundation of a pest-resistant garden.

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes

In your eagerness to solve the problem, avoid these pitfalls. First, don’t reach for broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. They kill far more than just June bugs, including the pollinators and predators that help your garden. Second, don’t over-irrigate in summer, as we already discussed. Finally, don’t ignore the problem. A few beetles one year can lead to a major grub infestation the next.

Persistence is crucial. Natural methods often take a bit longer to show full effect compared to harsh chemicals, but they create a balanced, sustainable garden environment. By combining a couple of these tactics, you’ll see a noticeable reduction in June bugs over time.

FAQ: Your June Bug Questions Answered

What is the fastest way to kill June bugs naturally?
Hand-picking at dusk into soapy water provides immediate, visible results. For a hands-off approach, setting up a light trap over a soapy bucket can also reduce numbers quickly overnight.

What home remedy kills June bugs?
A simple soapy water spray (a few tablespoons of mild dish soap per gallon of water) can kill beetles on contact. Spraying it directly on them when you seem them on plants is effective. The soapy water bucket trap is another excellent home remedy.

What keeps June bugs away?
Keeping outdoor lights off at night, maintaining a dry lawn in early summer, and applying neem oil to prized plants can all help repel and deter June bugs from settling in your yard.

Are June bugs bad for your garden?
The adult beetles skeletonize leaves on some trees and shrubs, which is mostly a cosmetic issue. The real damage comes from their larval stage (grubs), which eat grass roots and can destroy large sections of lawn if left unchecked.

When should I treat for June bug grubs?
Treat for grubs in late summer or early fall when the young grubs are small and feeding close to the surface. Spring is also a good time, but fall is often more effective. Apply beneficial nematodes or milky spore during these times for best results.

By understanding the June bug’s life cycle and using these targeted, natural methods, you can enjoy your summer evenings in peace. Your garden will thank you for the gentle approach, and you’ll be rewarded with a healthier outdoor space for seasons to come.