The June Bug is a very common insect pest found throughout North America. They are also known as green lacewings or aphid midges. These insects feed on plant sap and cause damage to plants. If left untreated, they can spread diseases such as powdery mildew.
June bugs are attracted to light and heat. This makes them especially dangerous during warm weather months. They tend to congregate around lights at night, so try turning off outdoor lighting. Also, try using fans and air conditioners to reduce humidity levels inside your home.
The Life Cycle of June Bugs
June bugs have four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Eggs hatch in the springtime and then larvae develop over the summer. The adults emerge in late fall and early winter.
Eggs
June bugs lay their eggs on host plants. They are usually laid singly but may be laid in clusters. The female lays about 50-100 eggs per day. She will continue laying until she has enough for her young to eat.
Larvae
After hatching from the eggs, the larvae begin feeding on the leaves of the host plant. Larvae grow larger each time they molt, which occurs every 10 days. Each molting period lasts 3-4 weeks. During this stage, the larvae are unable to fly.
Pupae
When the last larval stage ends, the larvae turn into a pupal form. Pupation takes place in the soil beneath the host plant. Once the pupa turns brown, it becomes an adult.
Adult
When the adults emerge from the pupal case, they look like tiny black flies with wings. Adults live only 2-3 days before mating and dying. Females lay eggs that hatch after 1-2 days.
How to Identify June Bugs
To identify June bugs, you need to know what type of plant they are attacking. Look for small, white spots on leaves. You should see no more than one spot per leaf.
If you find several spots, there could be more than one species present. In this case, you might want to contact a local expert who specializes in identifying pests.
If you do not see any signs of infestation, you can still help prevent future problems by keeping your garden clean. Remove weeds and debris from around your plants. Do not let grass grow tall around your plants. Mow it regularly. Keep your lawn well maintained.
Damage & Symptoms
June bugs suck juices out of the leaves of many types of plants. As a result, you may notice yellowing or wilting of affected foliage. Leaves may curl up and die back. Plants may appear stunted and weak.
In severe cases, entire plants may wilt and die. If you suspect that your plants are being attacked by June bugs, call a pest management professional immediately.
What Causes June Bugs?
June bugs are most active when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are also attracted to bright lights and hot surfaces.
You can control these pests by removing infected plants and destroying infested areas. You can also use pesticides to kill the adults. However, if you spray too often, you risk killing beneficial insects that prey on other pests.
How to Get Rid of June Bugs
There are many ways to control the population of June bugs. Here are some tips to keep these pesky insects under control:
1) Use pesticides when needed. If you notice that your plants are being attacked, use pesticide sprays according to label directions. Follow all safety precautions when applying pesticides.
2) Turn off lights. When possible, switch off outdoor lights at night. This reduces the number of June bugs that congregate around lights.
3) Clean up your yard. Sweep away fallen leaves and other debris. Make sure your lawn is free of standing water.
4) Reduce humidity. Try opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate through your house. Open kitchen cabinets and refrigerators to allow cool air to flow in.
5) Monitor your plants. Check for damage caused by June bugs. Repair or replace damaged parts as soon as possible.
6) Avoid attracting them. If you notice that June bugs are following you around, avoid walking barefoot or wearing open shoes. Wear closed-toe shoes instead.
7) Plant resistant varieties. Some types of plants are better able to resist attacks by June bugs. Choose plants that are labeled “resistant” or “tolerant.”
8) Grow pest-free plants. Plants such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, melons, beans, squash, and potatoes are especially susceptible to attack by June bugs. These plants should be grown in areas where June bugs are less likely to occur.
9) Control their predators. Insects have natural enemies called parasitoids. Parasitoids feed on the bodies of other insects. They also eat the eggs of insect pests. Parasitoid wasps and ladybugs are common examples.
10) Encourage beneficial insects. Many insects play important roles in controlling pests. Ladybugs, hoverflies, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and predatory mites are just a few examples.
11) Prevent overwintering. The best way to ensure that June bugs will not return next year is to remove the adult insects immediately after they emerge.
12) Be prepared. Always have an adequate supply of pesticides available. It’s always wise to learn about the habits of your particular pest before spraying.
13) Follow instructions carefully. Read labels and follow all safety precautions when using pesticides.
14) Don’t spray during rainstorms. Spray only when conditions are favorable. Rain can wash pesticides into nearby waterways.
15) Reapply if necessary. After you’ve sprayed, wait until the weather has dried out before reapplying.
16) Be patient. Most pesticides take several days to kill June bugs. Wait at least three weeks between applications.
17) Dispose of unused pesticides properly. Do not pour down drains or flush with toilets. Instead, dispose of unused pesticides in trash cans.
18) Keep track of your efforts. Record information about pests and treatments in a journal so you’ll know what worked well and what didn’t.
19) Use repellents. To deter some pests from entering your home, use products containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide).
20) Call a professional. If you’re having problems with pests, call a local pest control company. A qualified technician may be able to help you identify the problem and recommend solutions.
How to Prevent June Bugs
1) Install screens. Screened porches, patios, and decks are great ways to keep June bugs outside.
2) Clean up debris. Remove weeds, leaves, grass clippings, and fallen fruit from around your house. This helps reduce the amount of food for June bugs.
3) Cover outdoor furniture. When it’s hot, cover cushions and pillows with plastic bags to prevent June bugs from laying their eggs there.
4) Reduce clutter. Store items like pots, pans, and rags away from windows and doors.
5) Seal cracks. Create a barrier against entry by caulking any cracks and crevices.
6) Repair leaky pipes. Fix leaks in faucets, sprinkler systems, and plumbing fixtures.
7) Rotate crops. Plant different types of vegetables every two months to avoid overusing one crop.
8) Wash produce. Washing fruits and vegetables removes soil particles that could attract June bugs.
9) Avoid planting flowers near trees. Flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies but also attract hungry June bugs.
10) Maintain gutters. Check gutter covers regularly and clean them as needed.
11) Clean gutters. Sweep leaves and other debris off gutters each fall.
12) Eliminate standing water. Water left on surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and walkways attracts mosquitoes and other pests.
13) Drain puddles. Pools of stagnant water attract mosquitoes and other pests. Empty pools within 24 hours.
14) Treat lawns. Apply insecticides to lawns infested with aphids and mites.
15) Pick up pet waste. Pet droppings attract ants and other insects. Keep pets indoors during warm periods.
What do June Bugs Eat?
June bugs eat many kinds of plants. They especially love cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, melons, beans, peas, corn, potatoes, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, strawberries, and apples.
Where do they lay their Eggs?
June bugs usually lay their eggs in moist places outdoors. They often choose dark, shaded areas under leaves, rocks, logs, and boards.
Do June Bugs Fly?
Yes! June bugs can fly short distances, although most don’t travel more than 10 feet.
Do June Bugs Bite?
Yes, June bugs bite when they feel threatened. Their bites can cause allergic reactions in people who have allergies to wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, fire ants, and poison ivy.
Conclusion
June bugs are common throughout North America. They are most active from May through September. The best way to control these pests is prevention. With the above tips, you can keep June bugs out of your home this summer.
