Do June Beetles Bite? Uncovering the Truth

June beetles, also known as May beetles, are a type of scarab beetle that is commonly found in various regions across the United States. These beetles, which can grow up to 5/8 inches long and appear reddish-brown, are known for their nocturnal activities and attraction to artificial lights during the warmer months of the year Texas A&M University. While they are not considered aggressive insects, it is essential to understand if they pose any risk of biting humans or pets.

In general, June beetles are not known for biting or causing harm to humans, as their primary food source consists of plants and decaying organic matter. However, it is important to note that their larvae, known as white grubs, can cause damage to lawns and gardens by feeding on the roots of plants Integrated Pest Management. Additionally, some beetle species may show a tendency to bite or nibble if they feel threatened or unintentionally come in contact with human skin.

Identifying June Beetles

Physical Characteristics

June beetles, also known as June bugs, are members of the Scarabaeidae family. Among the species in this family, two common types are the Ten-lined June beetle and the Green June beetle (Cotinis nitida). These beetles are generally robust in shape and have a range of colors including metallic green and dark brown. Their elytra, or wing covers, may have reddish-brown or bronze-colored margins.

• Ten-lined June beetle: dark brown to black color, around 1 inch long
• Green June beetle: metallic green color, nearly 1 inch long, bronze-yellow body margins

Behavior

June beetles are typically nocturnal and are attracted to lights at night. They are known for their characteristic buzzing, which resembles the sound of a toy helicopter. They tend to fly near the ground and may occasionally land on people, which can be mistaken for a bite. Despite some misconceptions, June beetles are not aggressive and do not bite humans.

Habitat

These scarab beetles are commonly found throughout North and South America. They inhabit a variety of environments including forests, gardens, and grasslands. Their larvae, known as grubs, are found in soil and feed on plant roots, while adult beetles feed on leaves and fruits of various plants.

Larval habitat

• Soil: grubs are often found in turfgrass

Adult habitat

• Forests
• Gardens
• Grasslands

Do June Beetles Bite?

Interaction with Humans

June beetles are not known to bite humans. They are typically more of a nuisance due to their attraction to outdoor lights during the night. However, they may move in a clumsy manner when walking or flying, coming into contact with humans occasionally. While June beetles pose no direct threat, they may startle adults, children, and pets when they are touched, and they may emit a hissing noise when disturbed.

Defense Mechanisms

June beetles have some basic defense mechanisms, including:

• Hissing noise: When threatened or molested, they can produce a hissing noise by rubbing their wings against their thorax. This sound might scare off potential predators, like birds and small mammals.
• Appearance: Their large size and robust appearance may deter some predators from attacking.

Feature	June Beetles
Interaction with humans	Not known to bite; may startle when touched
Interaction with pets	No threat
Interaction with birds	Deterred by hissing noise
Interaction with children	No threat; may startle

In summary, June beetles are not known to bite humans or pets and primarily serve as a nuisance due to their attraction to lights. Their defense mechanisms involve a hissing noise and their appearance, which can deter predators like birds but are not harmful to humans or pets.

June Beetle Life Cycle and Diet

Eggs and Larvae

June beetle eggs are laid in the soil, where they hatch into larvae commonly known as white grubs. The following are some characteristics of their eggs and larvae:

• Eggs: Laid in June to early July
• Larvae (white grubs): Cream-colored with three pairs of legs, up to 1¼ inches long

The larvae feed on:

• Plant roots
• Grass
• Broadleaf weed
• Tree and shrub roots

Example of damage caused by larvae:

• Chewing turfgrass roots, leading to reduced growth or wilted appearance

Pupa to Adult June Bug

June beetles undergo metamorphosis and transform into a pupa, then into an adult june bug. Here are some characteristics of the pupa and adult stages:

• Pupa: Brown, ½ inch long
• Adult June Bug: Almost 1-inch long, metallic green with bronze to yellow body margins, sometimes reddish-brown wing covers

Adult June beetle diet:

• Foliage
• Flowers
• Roses
• Corn

Pros and Cons of June Beetles’ Presence:

Pros:

• None

Cons:

• Destroy plants and turfgrass
• Damage rose gardens

Comparison Table: Life Cycle Stages

Stage	Size	Color	Diet
Larvae (Grub)	Up to 1¼ inches long	Cream-colored	Plant roots, grass, shrubs
Pupa	½ inch long	Brown	None
Adult June Bug	Almost 1-inch long	Metallic green, yellowish margins, sometimes reddish-brown wing covers	Foliage, flowers, roses, corn

June Beetle Pests and Damage

Impact on Plants and Trees

June beetles, specifically the Green June Beetle and the May/June Beetle, are known for causing damage to plants and trees. Their larvae, known as grubs, feed on the roots of various plants, leading to wilting and sometimes death.

Example:

• Green June Beetle larvae damage roots of grass, trees, and ornamental plants
• May/June Beetle grubs consume roots of grasses, broadleaf weeds, and shrubs

As adults, beetles from the Phyllophaga genus may also feed on tree leaves, creating ragged holes. They are nocturnal and often attracted to doors and windows where light is present.

Property Damage

In addition to causing harm to plants, June Beetles can cause property damage. Infestations of their larvae may result in unsightly brown patches on lawns. Moreover, Japanese Beetles, a relative of the June Beetle, are known for causing extensive damage to foliage and flowers.

Comparison table:

Beetle Type	Damage to Plants	Damage to Property
Green June Beetle	Roots, leaves	Brown patches on lawns
May/June Beetle	Roots, leaves	–
Japanese Beetle	Foliage, flowers	–

Sometimes, June Beetles may be confused with Chafer Beetles, another type of beetle that causes similar damage to lawns and plants.

Pros and cons of controlling June Beetles:

Pros:

• Protects plants from damage
• Preserves the appearance of lawns and gardens
• Reduces the chances of further infestations

Cons:

• Use of chemical pesticides may be harmful to the environment
• Invasive methods may disrupt the ecosystem

It is important to take appropriate measures to control June Beetle infestations and prevent any further damage to plants and property. Regular monitoring and use of eco-friendly treatment options can help minimize their impact.

Natural Predators and Pest Control

Animals that Prey on June Beetles

June beetles have several natural predators that help control their population:

• Moles: These animals feed on the larval stage of June beetles, known as white grubs.
• Skunks and Raccoons: They dig up turf to eat the larvae, which can cause damage to lawns but help reduce beetle populations.
• Birds: Various bird species will eat adult June beetles as well as their larvae.
• Bats: These nocturnal creatures feed on adult beetles during their active flight periods.

Biological Control Methods

There are also some biological control methods that can help manage June beetle populations:

• Beneficial Nematodes: Applying beneficial nematodes to the soil can target the larval stage and provide effective pest management.

Predator	Pros	Cons
Moles	Effective on larvae	May damage lawns
Skunks & Raccoons	Eat larvae	Can cause lawn damage
Birds	Eat larvae and adult beetles
Bats	Feed on adult beetles during flight

By using these natural predators and biological control methods, it is possible to control June beetle populations and minimize the damage they can cause to your garden and landscape.

June Beetle Prevention and Management

Insecticides and Pesticides

In controlling June beetles, a variety of insecticides and pesticides are available. Some common insecticides include imidacloprid, which is effective against both adult beetles and their grubs.

Pros:

• Effective in controlling June beetles
• Targets both adults and grubs

Cons:

• May harm beneficial insects
• Potential chemical exposure risks

DIY Pest Control Measures

For homeowners who prefer a more natural approach, several DIY pest control methods can be employed. For example:

• Using molasses traps, which lure June beetles with their scent and then trap them in a sticky solution
• Placing commercial beetle traps around the yard, which also attract and capture beetles with their specific pheromones

Maintaining a Healthy Lawn

A healthy lawn is the foundation for successful June beetle prevention. Here are some key steps to achieve it:

• Regularly mow and water the grass
• Limiting thatch build-up, as it can serve as a food source for larvae
• Keep trees and shrubs well-pruned

Comparison of Pest Control Methods:

Method	Effectiveness	Environmental Impact	Cost
Insecticides	High	Moderate	Moderate
DIY Pest Control	Moderate	Low	Low
Maintaining Lawn	High	Low	Low

By applying research-based measures like insecticides, DIY pest control, and lawn care, homeowners can prevent June beetle infestations and maintain a healthy living space.

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