This life stage is when they do the most damage to your lawn and garden. Grubs will live deep in the soil and eat plant roots, grass, and grains. [4] X Research source
When June bug eggs hatch, the white grubs will feed on nearby plant roots. For the next two years, the grubs will grow, eat more, and become more destructive. During the late summer/fall of their third year, they will begin to “pupate” in the soil, or begin the process of transforming from a larva to a mature beetle. In the spring the cycle begins again as they emerge as adults to find a mate. [5] X Research source
This is a natural repellent that is completely safe for humans and animals, so no need to worry about your children or pets. It is also safe to use indoors as well as outdoors.
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If you’re looking for a way to make your own beetle traps, you can easily make one by combining 1 packet of yeast, 1 cup (240 mL) of molasses, and 2 cups (470 mL) of water, or by simply filling a jar with vegetable oil. [10] X Research source Place your homemade bug trap by your June bug-infested spot. The bugs will be attracted to the jar and once they fall in, will become stuck. Check on the trap every 2-3 days and add new bait. [11] X Research source
Don’t worry about June bugs being hard to catch! They’re very clumsy, which is why you’ll sometimes hear them hitting your windows. So, grab a pair of gloves, a bucket, and start picking!
Just follow the specific instructions on the back of the bag to mix the nematodes in water and use a sprayer, hose end sprayer or watering can to drench infested garden areas. [15] X Research source You only need about 20,000 beneficial nematodes to treat 1 square foot (0. 093 m2), however they are so small that they’re usually packaged in bags of 5 million (enough to treat 1,500 square feet (140 m2)). It’s best to buy beneficial nematodes from your local home and garden store. Since they’re alive, shipping can stress them out and cause them to die.
For areas that can’t be reached by dry diatomaceous earth, mix at a ratio of 4 tablespoons (57 grams) of diatomaceous earth and 1 gallon (3. 8 L) of water. HARRIS’ diatomaceous earth is a great choice as it’s food grade, which is it’s most safe and gentle form.
June bugs are food for many animals and you can easily reduce the number of June bugs in your garden and lawn by creating an environment where June bug predators can thrive. [18] X Research source
However, be aware that this can lead to dead, smelly grubs showing up on the surface of your lawn. Simply don a pair of gloves and dispose of the dead grubs in a trash bag. Before applying insecticides, mow your lawn to shake out wildlife. You want to avoid spraying bees or other pollinators that are essential to your garden’s health. It’s also important to ensure there are no bunny holes, frogs or other small animals in your grass before using insecticides. If you’re worried about your garden or lawn animals’ health, St. Gabriel Organic Milky Spore insecticide is safe for pets, plants, and humans. All you have to do is sprinkle the powder insecticide over your lawn. The grubs will eat the insecticide, die, decompose, and spread more of the insecticide. This leads to an almost 10-year insecticide effectiveness.
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Remove grass trimmings, fallen leaves, and dead vegetation from your lawn as well to discourage June bugs from laying eggs in your lawn.
LED lights are also a great option as they don’t emit as much UV light which can attract the June bugs.
The Merit Granular Systemic Insecticide is a great long-lasting, low-toxicity insecticide that can be applied scattering over your lawn.
