Grubs, the larvae of certain beetle species, are common pests that can wreak havoc on lawns and gardens. As winter arrives, these white grubs, which live underground and feed on the roots of plants, can cause brown patches and damage to the soil’s surface. Grubs go through several stages of development, with the second instar being a critical stage in their life cycle. In late spring, these grubs hatch from eggs laid by adult beetles, such as Japanese or June bugs, which are common in North America.
The larvae stage of grubs can be destructive to lawns, as they feed on grass roots, plant leaves, and organic matter in the soil. As they grow, they burrow into the soil and feed until late summer or early fall. They enter the final stage before pupating and eventually emerge as adult beetles. Adult beetles, also known as June bugs or June beetles, have a distinctive appearance with six legs and brown heads. They may be attracted to porch lights and lay their eggs in the soil, starting the life cycle of grubs all over again.
Controlling grubs can be challenging, as they can cause damage to lawns and other plants. Some natural predators, such as birds, animals, and other organisms, can help control their population. In our guide, you can learn more about what do grubs turn into and about the June bug life cycle. By the end, you’ll better understand how the insect grub adults lay eggs, how these and other pests can take over your entire lawn, and how you tackle your lawn grubs issue. (Read Will Bermuda Grass Choke Out Weeds)
What Are Grubs?
If you have noticed brown patches on your lawn, it might be due to the presence of grubs. Grubs are the immature form of various scarab beetles and insects, including adult June bugs and Japanese beetles. These insects live to feed on the roots of plants, including lawn grass.
Grubs have white, C-shaped bodies with six legs and a brown head. They go through several stages of development, called instars, before reaching the final stage and pupating into adult beetles. The most common grub species in North America are Phyllophaga sp. and Japanese beetle grubs.
Grubs typically lay their eggs in late spring or early summer, and the eggs hatch into larvae in a couple of weeks. The larvae stage lasts for several months, typically until late fall. During this time, the white grubs eat the roots of plants and burrow deeper into the soil as winter arrives.
While grubs are considered pests, they also play an essential role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter in the soil and serving as a food source for natural predators.
Life Cycle of June Bugs
June bugs are beetles that live underground for most of their life cycle. They go through several stages before adulthood, the only stage humans typically see. Understanding the life cycle of June bugs is important in controlling their population and preventing damage to your lawn and plants.
Egg Stage
Female June bugs burrow into the soil in early summer and lay eggs. The eggs hatch after a few weeks, and the larvae emerge. (Read Will Sevin Dust Kill Spider Mites)
Larvae Stage
The larvae stage is the longest stage of the June bug’s life cycle, lasting up to three years. During this stage, the larvae, also known as grubs, feed on the roots of grass and other plants. They live out of sight of humans. As they grow, they shed their skin and go through several stages, called instars, before reaching their final stage.
Pupa Stage
After the larvae stage, the grubs enter the pupa stage. During this stage, they transform into their adult form. The pupa stage lasts for a few weeks.
Adult Stage
After the pupa stage, the adult June bugs emerge from the soil. They have brown heads and are typically brown or green. They have six legs and can fly. Adult June bugs feed on plants and are attracted to porch lights at night. They mate and lay their eggs in the soil, starting the life cycle again.
June bug season typically occurs from late spring to early summer or late fall, depending on the region. In North America, there are several species of June beetles, including the green June beetle and the Japanese beetle. These beetles can cause damage to lawns and plants if their populations are not controlled.
To eliminate grubs and prevent damage to your lawn, it’s essential to understand the life cycle of June bugs and their behavior. Natural predators like birds and other organisms can help control their population. Additionally, using organic matter to improve the soil’s surface can make it less hospitable for June bug larvae to live. (Read Do Rabbits Eat Spiders or Other Insects)
Do Grubs Turn Into June Bugs?
If you have noticed white grubs on your lawn, you may wonder if they turn into June bugs. The answer is yes, they do. June bugs are just one of seven different types of beetles that white grubs can transform into during the summer.
Evidence
The transformation of white grubs into June bugs is well-documented. White grub worms are immature scarabs, which include June bugs. Scarab beetles go through several stages of development, including larvae as the egg hatches, known as white grubs.
During the larvae stage, the grub worm lives underground, and grubs eat roots, including those of your Augustine Grass, Tall Fescue, or other lawns.
As part of the June Bug life cycle, they grow, shed their skin, and move through several instars, with the final stage being the largest. Once they have reached their final instar, the insects burrow further into the soil to pupate. After a few weeks, white grub worms, including beetles and other June bugs, turn into adults. (Read White Spots On Orchid Leaves)
Factors That Affect Transformation
Several factors can affect how white grubworms turn into June bugs. One of the most significant factors is temperature. The transformation from white grub to pupa to adult can take up to three years, but warmer temperatures can speed up the process.
The type of soil can also have an impact on the transformation. White grubs prefer to live in soil with high organic matter levels, while June bugs prefer sandy soil. If the soil in your lawn is unsuitable for June bugs, the white grubs may transform into a different beetle species.
Finally, natural predators can also affect the transformation of white grubs into June bugs. Animals such as moles, skunks, and birds will feed on white grubs, which can reduce the number of white grubs that survive to transform into adult beetles.
In conclusion, if you have noticed white grubs on your lawn, they will likely transform into June bugs. However, the transformation process can take several years and is affected by several factors, including temperature, soil type, and natural predators.
How to Get Rid of June Bugs
Before You Begin Removing June Bugs
Before you start removing June bugs, it’s essential to understand their life cycle. June bugs live underground as white grubs, which eat the roots of your lawn grass. They transform into adult beetles and lay their eggs on the soil’s surface in late spring. The eggs hatch, and the larvae stage begins, lasting several stages until the final instar. In late June, the larvae become pupae and adult beetles. June bug season typically runs from late spring to late summer.
Remove the Adult June Bugs
Removing the adult bugs is one way to eliminate a June bug. You can set a June bug trap overnight by placing a mixture of molasses and water in a narrow-necked container. The sweet scent will attract the beetles, and they will become trapped in the container. You can also catch them by hand or use a porch light to attract and capture them.
Make Natural Insecticide
Another way to eliminate a June bug is to make natural insecticide. Mix one tablespoon of soap and one cup of vegetable oil in a gallon of water. Spray the solution on the plants and leaves that June bugs typically infest. This mixture will suffocate the bugs and keep them away from your plants.
Attract Natural Predators
You can attract natural predators to your garden to help eliminate June bugs. Birds, such as robins and starlings, feed on June bugs. You can also introduce nematodes, microscopic worms that feed on June bug grubs.
Try a Commercial Insecticide
You can try commercial insecticide if the above methods don’t work. Look for products containing imidacloprid, a chemical that targets June bug grubs. Apply the insecticide in late summer or early fall to eliminate the grubs before they burrow deep into the soil for the winter.
Remember, it’s essential to eliminate June bugs to prevent brown patches on your lawn and damage to your plants. Following these methods can effectively eliminate June bugs and keep your garden healthy. (Learn How To Make Snake Plants Grow Tall)
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of the life cycle of June bugs and grubs, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your lawn and plants. Remember that grubs are the immature form of several species of scarab beetles, including the June bug larvae, bugs, and Japanese beetles. They live underground and feed on the roots of grass and other plants.
It could be a sign of a grub or June bug infestation if you notice brown patches on your lawn or plants with wilting leaves. You can confirm this by digging up a small section of soil and looking for white grubs. Depending on the species, grubs turn into June bugs in late spring to late summer.
You can use natural predators like birds and beneficial nematodes to eliminate grubs or apply pesticides designed explicitly for grub control. You can also practice good lawn care, such as watering deeply and infrequently and mowing at the proper height for your grass type, to discourage grub infestations.
Remember that June bugs are attracted to light, so turning off outdoor lights at night can help keep them away from your porch and windows. And if you do see June beetles, bugs, or grubs in your yard, don’t panic. While they can cause damage, they are not harmful to humans and can be easily controlled properly. With some knowledge and effort, you can keep your lawn and plants healthy and free from June bugs and grubs. (Read What Is Eating My Dahlia Leaves)
