June bugs, also known as May beetles or June beetles, can be a nuisance during the spring and summer months. As their name suggests, these beetles are most active in May, June, and July. They are attracted to lights and can invade your home through small openings and cracks. When trying to get rid of June bugs, it’s important to understand their lifecycle and habits. This will allow you to target them effectively and prevent future infestations. Here are 5 easy methods to get rid of June bugs.

Keep Lights Off at Night

June bugs are strongly attracted to light. Leaving lights on at night, especially porch lights, will draw them in.

Here are some tips for keeping June bugs away by managing outdoor lighting:

Turn off any unnecessary outdoor lights at night. Only keep essential safety lights on.
Install yellow “bug lights” that are less attractive to insects.
Use motion sensor lights instead of keeping lights constantly on.
Close curtains and blinds at night to prevent light from streaming outside.
If you have a porch light that must stay on, place a cover over the light to direct the light downwards.

By limiting light pollution at night, fewer June bugs will be attracted to the area.

Seal Cracks and Small Openings

June bugs can squeeze into homes through surprisingly small gaps. Sealing these entry points is important for preventing indoor infestations.

Inspect around windows, doors, siding, utility pipes, behind shutters, and underneath the eaves. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal the following:

Gaps around windows and doors
Spaces between screens and window frames
Small holes in screens
Loose siding or trim boards
Openings around outdoor wiring, pipes, vents, etc.
Chimneys, AC vents, and any exterior openings

This will help block June bugs as well as other pests from entering your house.

Use Fans to Disrupt Their Flight

June bugs are weak fliers and can easily be blown off course by fans. Take advantage of this by using fans to disrupt June bugs.

Some ways to use fans against June bugs:

Place box fans or oscillating outdoor fans on your porch or deck. Keep them running at night.
Install ceiling fans on porches and patios. Run them on high speed at dusk when June bugs start flying.
Aim portable fans out doorways and windows to drive June bugs away.
Use fans around doorways to blow June bugs back outside if they do get in.

The air currents will divert June bugs away and prevent them congregating by lights.

Apply Insecticides and Repellents

Insecticide sprays and powders can be used against June bug infestations. Here are some effective products:

Residual Sprays

Bifenthrin
Cyfluthrin
Lambda-cyhalothrin
Permethrin

Apply these liquid sprays around entry points, under eaves, and other areas where June bugs are spotted. They provide long-lasting residual protection against June bugs.

Powders

Diatomaceous earth
Borax powder

Sprinkle these abrasive dusts in flower beds, under plants, and in lawns. The sharp particles will shred the exoskeleton of June bugs. Reapply after heavy rain.

Yard Granules

Imidacloprid granules
Halofenozide granules

Scatter these insecticide granules around gardens, turf, and areas frequented by June bugs. They slowly release toxins targeting June bug larvae and adults.

Natural Repellents

Cedar oil
Citronella oil
Peppermint oil
Garlic spray
Hot pepper wax

Apply these strong-smelling botanical oils around yards and gardens to deter June bugs. Reapply frequently as the oils quickly dissipate.

Always read and follow label directions when using any pesticide. Try to avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that may kill beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. Apply insecticides in the evening when June bugs are active.

Attract Birds, Bats, and Other Natural Predators

Natural predators can help reduce June bug populations. Here are some ways to attract beneficial predatory animals:

Install a bat house to attract insect-eating bats to your yard.
Put up bird houses, feeders, and bird baths to draw birds that eat June bugs. Purple martins and swallows are especially good.
Avoid killing harmless spiders, praying mantises, and centipedes that prey on June bugs.
Plant flowers that attract parasitic wasps and flies that attack June bug grubs in soil. Good choices are queen anne’s lace, parsley, and wild carrot.
Avoid pesticides that may kill beneficial predator insects and animals.

Having more natural pest control allies around can help control June bug infestations without chemicals.

FAQs About Getting Rid of June Bugs

How do I kill June bugs naturally?

Some safe, natural ways to kill June bugs include using parasitic nematodes, diatomaceous earth, neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or traps. Avoid using harsh pesticides outdoors.

What scent repels June bugs?

Strong citronella, eucalyptus, pennyroyal, lemongrass and garlic scents can help repel June bugs. Apply these essential oils around yards and gardens.

What are June bugs attracted to?

June bugs are attracted to lights, especially UV light. They also feed on ripe fruits and tree sap. Keep lights off at night, cover fruit trees, and seal sap flows to discourage them.

What kills June bug grubs?

Milky spore bacteria, imidacloprid, or halofenozide granules can kill June bug grubs in turf and soil. Apply in early spring when grubs are small. Also till soil to expose and kill grubs.

Do June bugs come back every year?

June bugs emerge every year in spring. After mating, females lay eggs in soil. Grubs hatch and feed on roots before pupating into adults that emerge next year. Break this lifecycle to reduce numbers.

How do you keep June bugs off screened porch?

Use fans, citronella candles, eucalyptus sprays, and yellow bug lights around a screened porch to deter June bugs. Also seal any gaps around screens they could use to enter.

What time of day are June bugs most active?

June bugs are most active from dusk to midnight as they emerge to mate and are attracted to lights. Their activity drops off significantly after midnight through the day.

How long do June bugs live?

June bugs live about one year, spending 11 months as larvae (grubs) in soil, then emerging for 1-2 months as adults to mate before dying. The adult beetles live for 3-6 weeks.

What month do June bugs come out?

June bugs emerge as adults in late May through July, which is why they are nicknamed “May or June beetles.” The large numbers buzzing around in summer give them their common name.

How do I identify a June bug?

June bugs are large, about 1 inch long, and reddish brown or blackish, with a distinct metallic sheen. They have six hairy legs and pincers-like appendages protruding forward from their heads. When flying, their legs dangle visibly beneath them.

Conclusion

Getting rid of June bugs requires diligence and persistence. By understanding their biology and habits, we can develop integrated pest management plans to control them effectively. Start by improving exterior lighting and sealing entry points. Fans, insecticides, natural predators, and repellents can also help drive June bugs away or eliminate them. With the proper strategies, you can enjoy summer evenings free of annoying June bugs. Consistent prevention and targeted control methods will provide long-term reduction of June bug populations over successive years.

How to Get Rid of June Bugs: 5 Easy Methods