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.
Try these simple steps:
- Don’t grab it with your bare hands. Use a cup, container, or piece of cardboard.
- Gently trap the insect and slide a piece of paper underneath it.
- Take it outdoors and release it away from your living space.
- Reduce bright lights near open windows at night if insects keep appearing.
- Check screens and window gaps to make it harder for insects to enter.
If you’re seeing large numbers of unfamiliar insects repeatedly, especially around plants or in the soil, it may be worth identifying the species before treating the area.
