Do Green Junebugs Come Out in June? Your Questions Answered
Original Publish Date: June 19th, 2025 | Updated: June 18th 2026
Since it’s June, you might be wondering: Does the junebug live up to its name? In short, the answer is yes—the month of June is when they typically begin making their seasonal return.
As spring transitions to summer, junebugs (aka June beetles) begin to emerge. Although they don’t bite and won’t infest your home, your garden can still be at risk.
At Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc., we take pride in being one of Alabama’s longest-running, family-owned pest control companies. Our custom pest control services ensure your garden stays green and june bug-free! Keep reading to learn facts about June bugs, the signs of an infestation, and what you can do about it.
Fun Facts About June Bugs
The June Bug Explained
June bugs are a type of beetle—more specifically, a beetle in the scarab (Scarabaeidae) family. They make up the genus Phyllophaga, which has over 300 species within; in other words, there are over 300 species of June bugs! These critters are found most commonly throughout the eastern and southeastern United States.
Beetles Behind the Scenes
June bugs have a four-stage life cycle from egg to adulthood (aka a complete metamorphosis)—with most of this development happening underground, just beneath the soil’s surface.
During mating season, the adult female June bug lays anywhere from a few dozen to over 100 eggs beneath the soil’s surface, which hatch within 2 to 4 weeks. Once they’ve hatched from eggs (stage 1) into larvae (stage 2), the larvae can damage or weaken plants by feeding on roots. Most remain in this stage for about a year, but others will stay there and continue growing for up to three years.
For the third stage, the larvae transform into pupae. Pupae-hood is a major transitional period for this shiny-winged beetle as it develops into its adult body, including its hardened exoskeleton. It is the last and final growth stage before it emerges from underground.
By June, adult June bugs begin emerging from the soil and may feed on leaves and garden plants, which can damage your plants. However, many June bug species are more of a nuisance than a major plant killer.
Check for the Signs
There are a few simple ways to check for the signs of a June bug infestation. Below are a few of them:
- June bug sightings in or around your garden
- Increased beetle activity at night (especially near lights)
- Holes in leaves, flowers, or garden plants
- Patchy, thinning, or weakened grass (from root damage)
The Beetles Are Back–Here’s What You Can Do About It
If you have had issues with June bugs in the past, get ready because beetle season is back!
Since June bugs are nocturnal creatures, you might not see them often, but you’ll likely notice the damage they leave behind on your plants and lawn.
Our team at Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. provides custom lawn pest control services designed to protect your yard and keep June bugs and other insects under control. Call us at (205) 663-4200 or contact us online today!