June Bugs Seem to Plentiful in Louisiana & Texas Right Now, So How Do You Get Rid of Them?

We're not sure what the deal is, but there definitely seem to be more June bugs in Louisiana and Texas right now than ever before.

Let's start with their name: JUNE bugs. They kind of forgot to look at the calendar and realize it's only April!!

However, what we've gathered from the internet is that the common June bugs we get in our parts are sometimes called May beetles and they tend to come out during warm, spring-like weather.

(Do keep in mind there are actually about 900 different species around the world.)

The good news is that June bugs are not poisonous or toxic to people and pets and do not bite. But if they get on your clothing, like your socks, they seem to get stuck, and removing them still feels funky.

BUT CAN WE JUST GET RID OF THEM FROM OUR BACKYARDS, PLEASE?

Oh, no doubt this is what most of us would like to see happen. How do you make that a reality though?

There are a few things you can try and we've listed some common practices below.

ENLIST THE HELP OF NATURAL PREDATORS

You can put a stop to the June bug garden party by encouraging birds, moles, toads, or snakes to crash it.

To attract these natural predators, check with your local nursery to see what types of plants, trees, and greenery attract the aforementioned critters.

You can also try installing bird feeders to help attract a flock of helpers. Once they arrive, they'll get to feasting on a June bug buffet. Boom, problem solved.

INSECTICIDES WORK TOO

You just knew there were chemicals to help zap them little boogers. Experts say to treat your yard with Bifentrhin or Imidacloprid, which works best for killing adult June bugs.

Carbaryl is another pesticide option and it works best to kill the larvae/grubs.

These insecticides attack the central nervous system of the beetles in different ways.

TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

When it comes to your porches, patios, and just areas around your house, make sure you turn the lights off at night. As you probably know, June bugs love to congregate around doors where outside lights shine.

HOW TO PREVENT A JUNE BUG INFESTATION

A healthy, well-manicured lawn is a good way to prevent June bugs from making your yard their breeding ground.

Make sure your grass is watered frequently and drained well. (Admittedly, this can be tough in some parts around here.) The ideal height for your grass is about three inches tall to keep June bugs at bay. Any shorter and they will invite themselves to settle down and sit a spell.

THIS TOO SHALL PASS

Regardless if you have luck or not in eradicating June bugs from your yard, know that they'll leave...eventually.

June bugs typically leave at the end of summer around August into early September.

But, if you don't get rid of them from your yard totally, they're the gift that keeps on giving. While the life cycle of the adult June bugs comes to an end, their larva will continue to feed on plant and grass roots underground until the following spring.