How To Get Rid Of June Bugs
June bugs (also called June beetles or May beetles) are a nuisance pest in many yards. Adults feed on leaves, but the bigger problem is their larvae—white grubs that live underground and damage lawns by feeding on grass roots. Getting rid of them effectively means addressing both the adult beetles and their larvae. Here’s the best approach:
Control Adult Beetles (June–July):
Manual removal: Adults are most active at night and are attracted to lights. You can shake them off plants into a bucket of soapy water.
Light management: Reduce outdoor lighting at night since it attracts them in large numbers.
Protect plants: If they’re eating ornamental trees or shrubs, use row covers or mesh netting in the evenings to reduce feeding.
Target Grubs in the Soil (Late Summer–Early Fall):
Beneficial nematodes: Apply microscopic roundworms (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) to the soil. They seek out and kill grubs naturally.
Milky spore disease: A long-term, natural solution. Once established in the soil, it specifically targets Japanese beetle and June bug grubs, though it can take a few years to fully develop.
Insecticides (last resort): Lawn treatments with systemic active ingredients like imidacloprid or chlorantraniliprole can kill grubs, especially if applied at the right time (usually late summer when eggs hatch).
Maintain a Healthy Lawn (Prevention):
Keep your grass thick and well-watered so it can tolerate minor root damage.
Overseed thin patches to discourage beetle egg laying.
Dethatch and aerate your lawn—June bugs prefer compacted, thatchy areas for laying eggs.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of June Bugs
Our professional pest control is often the most effective and reliable way to get rid of June bugs because it addresses both the adult beetles and their destructive larvae at the right time and with the right products. While do-it-yourself methods can provide short-term relief, June bug infestations can be stubborn, especially when grubs are damaging lawns and ornamental plants below the soil.
Our licensed pest control technicians begin with a thorough inspection to confirm whether June bugs are the culprit and to assess the extent of the problem. We can then apply targeted treatments that homeowners can’t always access, such as professional-grade grub control products and soil-applied insecticides that stop larvae before they destroy turf roots. Timing is critical with June bug control, and our professionals know the exact windows when treatments will be most effective for preventative maintenance.
In addition to treatments, our pest control experts provide integrated solutions—such as lawn care recommendations, soil management, and preventative measures—that reduce the likelihood of reinfestation year after year. Our professionals can also combine safe, eco-friendly approaches with stronger solutions if the infestation is severe.
Ultimately, our professional pest control ensures a faster, longer-lasting solution to June bug problems. Instead of struggling with repeated lawn damage or wasted DIY efforts, homeowners benefit from expert knowledge, precise application, and a management plan that protects both their yard and their landscaping investments.