TL;DR:
• June bugs = no big deal (unless there’s a lot)
• Their babies = turf-killing grubs
• Now’s a good time to keep an eye out
• We’ve got grub control if you need it
What to Know About June Bugs in Austin Yards
(And why they’re crashing your porch light party)
It’s the end of March, and they’re already here—clumsy little June bugs bouncing off porch lights like they had one too many at happy hour.
Technically called June beetles or May beetles (from the Phyllophaga genus), these copper-brown insects are one of those weird Texas spring traditions—right up there with oak pollen and bluebonnets. But here’s the deal: while adult June bugs are mostly harmless (albeit annoying), their babies—called grubs—can be a real pain in your turfgrass.
Are June bugs harmful?
Adult June bugs don’t bite or sting. They don’t even eat much. They mostly flutter around awkwardly at night, looking for light and love.
But underground? That’s where the real trouble starts. The larvae (white grubs) live in your soil and feast on grass roots, especially St. Augustine lawns. Too many of them, and your lush green grass can turn patchy and weak.
When do June bugs show up in Austin?
Despite the name, they usually emerge in March and April, not June. (Thanks for nothing, buggy misnomers.) As the soil warms up and we get a few rainy days, adult beetles surface. They do their nighttime flopping, lay eggs in the soil, and boom—grubs hatch and start eating roots.
Signs of grub problems later this year:
- Patches of grass that peel up like old carpet
- Turf that dies even with proper watering
- Increased armadillo or raccoon digging (they’re after the grubs)
What should you do?
Right now: no panic. A couple June bugs is no big deal. If you’ve just got a few bouncing around the porch light, just laugh and keep the door closed.
But if you’re seeing a lot of them—or you’ve had grub problems in the past—it’s smart to be proactive.
We partner with Emerald Lawns to offer grub treatments as part of our full fertilization and weed control program. We’ll keep an eye on your lawn and treat if needed—before the grubs throw a backyard BBQ with your turf on the menu.
Bonus tip:
If you don’t want a nightly bug rave outside your windows, turn off outdoor lights after dark. Or swap in yellow bug lights—they attract fewer beetles.
Got questions about your grass?
Contact us here—or just send a picture of your lawn if you’re worried. We’re happy to take a look.