The Great June Bug Invasion of 2023
As I stepped out into my front yard the other night, I was greeted by a swarm of flying insects that seemed to come out of nowhere. The air was thick with the sound of their buzzing, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was behind this sudden invasion. It turns out, I’m not alone in my observation. Many of us have been noticing an uptick in June bug activity lately, and it’s not just a coincidence.
June bugs are attracted to outdoor lighting
According to Eric Day, an entomologist at Virginia Tech, the main culprit behind this surge in June bug activity is the Green June Beetle. These harmless insects are often seen flying around front porches near outdoor lighting, and their numbers have been increasing due to recent rainfall and heat.
The Perfect Storm of June Bug Activity
Day explains that the combination of dry conditions followed by localized rainfall creates the perfect environment for June beetles to emerge. “We get a good little rainfall in localized places and then we get a big emergence of these June beetles coming out,” he says. This, coupled with the heat, makes for a perfect storm of June bug activity.
June bugs emerging from the ground
But what about the previous year’s weather? Does that play a role in the population size of June bugs? According to Day, if the previous year was dry, the population will be smaller. This makes sense, given that June bugs rely on moisture to survive.
The Impact on Our Daily Lives
So, what does this mean for us? For one, it means we can expect to see more June bugs flying around our homes and outdoor spaces. While they may be a nuisance, they’re harmless to humans. However, their presence can be a sign of a larger issue - the impact of climate change on our environment.
Climate change affecting insect populations
As we continue to experience more extreme weather events, we can expect to see more disruptions in insect populations. This, in turn, can have a ripple effect on our ecosystem, impacting everything from food production to biodiversity.
Conclusion
The next time you’re outside and notice a swarm of June bugs flying around, remember that they’re not just a nuisance - they’re a sign of a larger issue. By understanding the factors behind their activity, we can better appreciate the complex relationships between our environment, climate, and the creatures that inhabit it.
