Understanding June Bugs: Impact on Arkansas Lawns and Control Methods

What Are June Bugs?

June bugs, also called May beetles or June beetles, are a group of scarab beetles that emerge in the late spring. They are most active at dusk and are attracted to porch lights and outdoor lighting. While adult June bugs can be a nuisance, the real threat to your lawn comes from their larvae. 

These grubs develop underground and feed on the roots of grasses and plants, leading to brown patches, weak turf, and an increased vulnerability to drought. Common species in Arkansas include Phyllophaga beetles, which can have a one- to three-year life cycle depending on the species. 

The Life Cycle of a June Bug: Why Timing Matters

Understanding the life cycle of June bugs helps in controlling them more effectively. The cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva (grub), pupa, and adult. 

• Egg Stage (Summer): Female June bugs lay eggs in the soil, usually in sunny areas with moist, healthy grass. 

• Larval Stage (Late Summer to Spring): This is the most damaging phase. The white, C-shaped grubs live underground and feed on grassroots, causing your lawn to yellow and die off in patches. 

• Pupal Stage (Late Spring): Grubs pupate in the soil, eventually emerging as adult beetles. 

• Adult Stage (Early to Mid-Summer): Adult June bugs fly, mate, and lay eggs – starting the cycle again. 

Timing treatments to disrupt the larval stage in the late summer or early fall is often the most effective strategy for control. 

Signs of a June Bug Infestation in Arkansas Lawns 

If you suspect June bugs are damaging your lawn, here are the key signs to look for: 

• Irregular brown patches: Dead areas of grass that lift easily from the soil like a loose carpet. 

• Increased animal activity: Birds, raccoons, skunks, and armadillos dig up lawns to feed on grubs. 

• Soft or spongy soil: Grubs feeding on roots leave the turf unstable and weak. 
• Visible grubs: White, curled larvae can be seen just below the surface when you peel back turf. 

It is important to inspect problem areas and consult a lawn care expert to determine if June bugs are the cause or if another issue is contributing to turf damage. 

How June Bugs Impact Arkansas Lawns

In Arkansas’s warm and humid climate, June bug larvae can cause widespread lawn damage, especially in untreated or overwatered lawns. As grubs feed on grassroots, the turf loses its ability to absorb nutrients and water, leading to: 

• Patchy dead grass 

• Increased vulnerability to drought and heat 

• Costly reseeding or sod replacement 

Severe infestations can damage large portions of a lawn in just one season. The issue often goes unnoticed until the damage is significant, making proactive monitoring and early treatment essential. 

Best Control Methods for June Bugs

 Cultural Control 

Maintaining a healthy lawn is your first line of defense. Grubs prefer stressed or overly moist lawns. Proper mowing, aeration, and fertilization can help reduce infestation risks. 

 

• Mow at the correct height for your grass type. 
• Avoid overwatering, especially in mid-to-late summer. 
• Rake up thatch and debris where adult beetles may hide or lay eggs. 

Biological Control 

Milky spore disease and beneficial nematodes are natural ways to reduce grub populations. These treatments are environmentally friendly and safe for pets and humans. 

• Milky spore: Targets only Japanese beetle grubs and takes time to establish. 

• Nematodes: Microscopic worms that feed on grubs in the soil. Best applied in late summer. 

Chemical Control 

Insecticides are effective when applied at the right time. For grub control, early intervention is key – preferably when grubs are small and actively feeding. 

• Preventative insecticides: Apply in mid to late summer to target newly hatched grubs. 

• Curative insecticides: Use in early fall if damage is already visible and grubs are present. 

Always follow product labels and consider hiring a professional lawn care technician for application. 

Tips to Prevent Future Infestations 

• Monitor your lawn annually during June bug season (May to August) to catch early signs. 

• Install yellow or motion-sensitive lights outdoors to deter adult beetles, as they are strongly attracted to traditional white lighting. 

• Avoid unnecessary fertilizer in late summer, as rapid grass growth can make lawns more attractive to egg-laying beetles. 
• Check sod before laying new turf, as some infestations begin with grubs already in the soil. 

Protect Your Lawn with Help from Local Experts

June bugs may seem like harmless summer nuisances, but their underground larvae can seriously damage your lawn if left untreated. By understanding their lifecycle, spotting early signs, and using the right control methods, you can protect your yard and avoid costly repairs.

For professional assistance, West Termites & Pest offers expert pest control, termite protection, and lawn care services throughout Arkansas and Oklahoma. Our experienced team knows how to identify, treat, and prevent lawn pests like June bugs – and we offer free consultations to help you get started. Contact West Termites & Pest today to schedule your lawn inspection and take back control of your yard this season.