Green June Beetles

Green June Beetles Have Arrived

I saw my first green June beetle this past week while working out in my yard. This means that I am sure to start getting calls over the next few weeks. This article from North Carolina Pest News should help to answer many of your questions concerning this annual visitor to your gardens.

I have to believe that laying in wait are millions of green June beetles. The next decent rain event should set off an emergence and buzzing across the landscape and pastures. These beetles are metallic green and four times the size of Japanese beetles.

Despite the buzzing around turf and pasture, green June beetles do little harm to plants and no harm to people. They can be handled without fear. Though there are possible control measures available for turf (later in the season), I have rarely ever seen this justified in residential turf. Grubs are sometimes a problem in pastures and heavy manure-applied fields. Adults are sometimes a problem in fruit trees and vines. Adult populations should start to decline after two weeks and they should be gone after three to four weeks. Patience is the best recommendation.

For more information on green June beetles, see the following web sites:

Ornamental and Turf Insect Information Note No. 67
(http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/lawn/note67/note67.html)

Forages and Pastures Insect Note No. 02
(http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/forage/gjbnote02/note02.htm)