The June Bug Invasion: Why These Noisy Pests Are Taking Over

As I stepped out onto my front porch the other night, I was greeted by a cacophony of sounds that seemed to come from all directions. The air was thick with the hum of insects, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was behind this sudden invasion of noise. It didn’t take long to figure out that the culprit was none other than the humble June bug.

June bugs are attracted to outdoor lighting

According to Eric Day, an entomologist at Virginia Tech, the June bug population has seen an uptick this year, with three species - the Japanese, Green, and Brown June Beetle - being the most common in our area. But what’s behind this surge in June bug activity?

“The main one you are seeing right now is the Green June Beetle,” said Eric Day. “It ties into kind of the local rain. We’ve had some dry conditions as of late. We get a good little rainfall in localized places and then we get a big emergence of these June beetles coming out.”

The Green June Beetle is one of the most common species

It turns out that the combination of recent rainfall and heat has created the perfect conditions for these beetles to thrive. And while they may be a nuisance, they’re harmless to humans - unless, of course, you’re trying to enjoy a quiet evening on your front porch.

June bugs can be a nuisance, but they’re harmless to humans

So the next time you’re outside and you hear the familiar hum of June bugs, just remember that they’re just trying to make the most of the good weather. And who can blame them?

June bugs are just one of the many insects that come out during the summer months