Finding an unfamiliar bug crawling across your wall, window, or garden can be unsettling. Before reaching for insect spray, though, it helps to know what you’re dealing with.
One common possibility is a cockchafer beetle, sometimes called a May bug. These beetles are typically reddish-brown, fairly large compared with ordinary household insects, and can be attracted to lights in the evening.
Why Do They Come Inside?
Adult beetles may accidentally enter homes through open windows and doors, particularly at night when outdoor lights attract them. Their awkward flying can make them look much more frightening than they actually are.
The adults generally aren’t considered dangerous to people. The bigger concern is their larvae, which live underground and feed on plant roots. Large populations can therefore cause problems for lawns and gardens.
What Should You Do If You Find One?
If you spot one indoors, there’s usually no reason to panic.
