Although commonly found in North America, California has its fair share of June bugs. These creatures are attracted to light and are often seen flying toward them.
If you’ve ever been outside on a warm evening and had one fly into your face, you know how pesky they can be. But are they really all that bad?
June Bugs in California are fairly common, especially when the weather is warm.
You probably know a person or two who’ve experienced having one or more of these bugs flying towards them, especially when there’s a light source nearby.
What are June Bugs?
Belonging to the Coleoptera family, June bugs are also known as May beetles or June beetles. There are over 370k species of them, with the majority being found in North America.
These bugs start out as larvae, or what we commonly refer to as grubs.
As soon as the weather starts to warm up, the grubs will start to mature into adult beetles and will eventually emerge from the ground. This is usually around late May or early June, which is where they get their name from.
May beetles often emerge from the ground to mate. This is when you’re most likely to see them flying around, looking for a mate. Once they’ve found one, the female will lay her eggs in the ground near where she emerged.
If you have June bugs in California, you’re not alone. These pests are actually quite common in the state, especially during the warmer months.
While they may be a nuisance, they generally don’t pose any real threat to humans or animals. In fact, some people actually consider them to be somewhat of a good luck charm!
June Bugs in California: Do They Bite?
One of the most common questions people have about June bugs is whether or not they bite. The answer is no, June bugs do not bite. In fact, they don’t pinch your skin or even sting.
Relatively, they’re considered to be harmless – at least for humans. Additionally, these bugs don’t spread diseases, unlike some other pests.
June Bugs Play an Essential Role in the Ecosystem
While it’s true that there are a lot of people who find the presence of June bugs in their backyard to be unsettling, it’s been said that they play a critical role in the ecosystem. In fact, they help cycle important nutrients into the soil, which helps the growth of plants.
Additionally, June bugs are a food source for many animals. Birds, rodents, and even some reptiles will eat these insects. For some animals, June bugs make up a large part of their diet!
It’s been found out that adult June bugs contain almost 50% protein and around 18% fat. Raccoons, skunks, and opossums love to feast on these beetles!
June bugs have significantly helped in the survival of many animals – even if they are considered to be a nuisance for some people.
Aside from the majority of animals, a study based in Quebec also showed that around 29 insect species are known to feed on June bugs.
How to Get Rid of June Bugs
In California, June bugs are commonly found near gardens or areas where there’s a lot of plant life. This is because they’re attracted to the moist soil – perfect for their larvae to develop in.
While most of them are relatively harmless, they feed on the roots of the plants. If you’re taking care of a garden, whether big or small, June bugs may be the last thing you want around.
If you find that June bugs are getting too close for comfort, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
Bug zappers are a popular choice for getting rid of June bugs, as well as other flying insects and beetles. All you have to do is plug it in and wait for the bugs to be drawn towards the light.
Once they get too close, they’ll be electrocuted and killed instantly.
Alternatively, if you don’t like the idea of using bug zappers, you can always resort to pesticides. There are many different brands and types of pesticides available on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
Pesticides can be effective in getting rid of June bugs, but they can also be harmful to other animals – especially if they’re not used properly. Additionally, you may want to be careful when using pesticides, especially if you have a food garden or if you have pets and children.
If you’re looking for a more natural way to get rid of June bugs, there are a few things you can try.
One of the most popular methods is to use diatomaceous earth. It’s a food-grade powder that’s sourced from fossilized algae. When applied to the soil, it will kill any June bugs that come into contact with it. It punctures an insect’s exoskeleton, which essentially dries them out and kills them.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural way to get rid of June bugs, and it’s also non-toxic. This means that it won’t harm other animals or plants.
Another natural method you can try is to make a trap using a jar and some fruit. Simply fill a jar with water and add a piece of fruit like overripe bananas or peaches.
The June bugs will be attracted to the sweetness of the fruit, and they’ll crawl into the jar. Once they’re in, they won’t be able to get out and will eventually drown.
Final Thoughts
June bugs in California are never a welcome sight in some homes, but unless they’re causing an infestation, there’s really no need to get rid of them.
The truth is, beetles have a significant role in the ecosystem – even if they’re not the most popular creatures around.
They’re a food source for most animals and insects in the wild, and they help to cycle important nutrients into the soil.
If you’re worried about June bugs in your garden, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. But remember, they’re not all bad!
