As a homeowner, there’s nothing more annoying than June bugs buzzing around your house. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to get rid of these pesky bugs. In this article, I’ll provide some tips on how to kill June bugs, so that you can enjoy a bug-free home.
What Are June Bugs?
June bugs, also known as May beetles, are a type of beetle that are most active during the month of June. They have a reddish-brown body, with a tan-colored head and thorax. Their wings are hard, and they can fly. June bugs feed on leaves, flowers, and other vegetation, making them a pest to many gardens and lawns. They are most active at night, and can be found in large numbers around trees and lights. If left unchecked, they can cause significant damage to plants and trees.
What Attracts June Bugs?
June bugs, also known as May or June beetles, are a type of scarab beetle that live throughout the United States and Canada. They are attracted to light sources at night, so they can often be seen buzzing around outdoor lights, streetlights, and porch lights. They are also drawn to the smell of ripening fruit and the sweet odor of flowers.
June bugs are attracted to the following things:
| Thing | Odor or Light Source |
|---|---|
| Ripening Fruit | Odor |
| Flowers | Odor |
| Outdoor Lights | Light Source |
| Street Lights | Light Source |
| Porch Lights | Light Source |
June bugs are also attracted to other sources of light and odor, such as those emitted by candles and campfires. To keep them away, try to avoid having lights or scented candles outside at night.
Eliminate Sources of Food and Water
June bugs are attracted to sources of food and water. Eliminating sources of food and water can help deter them from your property. Remove pet food bowls, bird feeders, and garbage cans. Make sure that outdoor containers of water are emptied regularly.
Remove Dead Wood, Leaf Piles, and Compost
June bugs are attracted to moist places that provide them a place to hide. Remove any dead wood, leaf piles, or compost piles that are close to your home. These are prime locations for June bugs to hide.
Install Outdoor Lighting
June bugs are attracted to light. Install outdoor lighting to deter them. Make sure to use yellow or sodium vapor lighting, as they are less attractive to June bugs than other types of lighting.
Use Repellents
If you are still having problems with June bugs, use a repellent. There are several types of repellents available, including natural and chemical. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label for the best results.
I’ve got a problem with June bugs in my garden and I’m looking for a way to get rid of them. One of the best ways to kill June bugs is to use insecticides. There are a variety of insecticides available, and the type you choose depends on the extent of your infestation. For example, if you have a large infestation, you may need to use a stronger insecticide such as permethrin or carbaryl. For smaller infestations, you can use less toxic insecticides such as pyrethrin or neem oil.
To apply the insecticide, you’ll need to mix it with water according to the instructions on the packaging. Then, you can use a sprayer or a hose-end sprayer to apply the mixture to your plants and soil. Make sure to cover the entire area, including the underside of leaves, as June bugs can hide in these areas. You may need to reapply the insecticide every few weeks to ensure the June bugs don’t come back.
2. Handpick June Bugs
I can manually handpick the June bugs from my garden if the infestation is not that severe. This method is labor-intensive but it can be effective for small infestations. I should wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, boots, and gloves before I start manually picking the June bugs. I should then collect the bugs in a plastic bag and dispose of them properly.
3. Use Biological Control Methods
I use biological control methods to help kill june bugs. These methods use natural predators to feed on june bugs, thus reducing their population. Common predators include birds, spiders, and certain types of beetles. I can also use microbial insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), to control june bug populations. Bt is a naturally occurring soil-borne bacteria that targets the larvae of june bugs and other insects, killing them before they can mature into adults. Additionally, I use parasitic nematodes, which are microscopic worms that attack june bug larvae, causing them to die within a few days. All of these methods are effective and can help reduce the june bug population in my garden.
Preventing Future Infestations
- Mow your lawn regularly to help reduce the larvae population.
- Remove debris, weeds and grass clippings from your lawn.
- Till your soil to expose larvae to sunlight and predators.
- Keep trees, shrubs, and bushes cut back away from your home.
- Clean up all decaying vegetation and animal matter around your home.
- Place yellow bug lights around the perimeter of your home.
- Spray a residual insecticide around the perimeter of your home.
- Use traps specifically designed to trap june bugs.
- Replace white outdoor lights with yellow bug lights.
- Install screens on windows and doors.
- Seal any cracks and crevices around your home.
- Check and repair any damaged window or door seals.
- Check for any gaps around pipes and wires entering your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep June Bugs away from my Home?
To discourage June Bugs from entering your home, seal any cracks and crevices around entry points such as windows and doors. Install screens on windows and ensure they fit tightly. Ensure any vents leading outdoors are covered with mesh screens and keep outdoor lighting away from entry points. Prune tree branches or shrubs that are near your home and remove any debris or mulch from around the foundation of your home. June Bugs are attracted to light, so keep outdoor lighting off in the evening.
What Home Remedies Can be Used to Get Rid of June Bugs?
Using home remedies such as vacuuming, dish soap, and diatomaceous earth are effective ways to get rid of June bugs. Vacuuming them up is an easy and effective way to remove them from the home. Dish soap and water can be used to make a trap, as the soap will attract June bugs and trap them in the soapy water. Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder made from the fossilized remains of small aquatic organisms and can be spread around the outside of the home to keep June bugs away.
What are the best methods to get rid of June Bugs?
The best way to kill June Bugs is to use an insecticide spray that specifically targets these pests. You can also use traps and lures to attract and capture the bugs. Additionally, you can remove the bugs by hand or with a vacuum. For the most effective results, combine multiple methods.
How can I prevent June Bugs from entering my home?
Install window and door screens, use a door sweep, and seal any cracks or openings in the home. Place outdoor lighting away from the home, and keep the lawn and garden clear of debris. Plant insect-repelling plants around the home and use a bug spray barrier around the perimeter.
How can I stop June Bugs from damaging my roses?
To prevent June bugs from damaging your roses, you should use an insecticide specifically designed to control these pests. It is best to apply the insecticide early in the season, before the June bugs begin to feed. Also, regularly inspect your rose bushes and remove any June bugs by hand. Additionally, keep your garden free of debris where the bugs can hide. Finally, avoid using chemical fertilizers on your rose bushes, as this can attract June bugs.
Conclusion
I have shared some of the best ways to get rid of June bugs in your home. From using natural remedies like orange peels and diatomaceous earth to using chemical control methods like insecticides and traps, there is an effective solution for your June bug problem. Whichever method you choose, it is important to remember to practice proper hygiene and sanitation to prevent the bugs from returning. With the right approach, you can eliminate the June bugs in your home and keep them away for good.
