How To Get Rid Of The Scarab Beetle

Are you wondering how to get rid of the scarab beetle? If so, you’ve come to the right place. With a diverse diet, unique look, and variety of species, the scarab beetle is an intriguing insect to say the least.

While many scarab beetles are highly beneficial to people and the environment, some species can be devastating to agriculture and wreak real havoc on farms, gardens and landscaping. For this reason, devising a plan and knowing how to get rid of the scarab beetle on your property is important.

But in order to get rid of these pests properly, it’s imperative you are able to identify them so that you can come up with a treatment plan and better protect your home from future scarab beetle infestations.

Join us today as we learn more about the scarab beetle, why this insect can be beneficial yet destructive, and how to get rid of the scarab beetle for good.

What Is A Scarab Beetle?

Scarab beetles can be either brown, black, or even metallic in color like this scarab beetle above. 

The term “scarab beetle” can cause some concern amongst some, especially if they were one of millions of ‘Mummy’ fans during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. While the scarab beetles depicted in the film were villainous, flesh-eating insects who burrowed into skin upon being unearthed, the real scarab beetle is nothing to be frightened of.

Made famous in ancient Egypt, the sacred scarab beetle was once worshiped by Egyptians and immortalized on relics like statues, amulets, ancient artwork, and more.

However, the sacred scarab is just one species of scarab beetle found throughout the world. In fact, scarab beetles are a very common family of insects found nearly everywhere save for Antarctica. There are roughly 30,000 species of scarab beetle, and the basic description details beetles with round bodies, six legs, and hard exoskeletons.

Also known as scarabaeinae, scarab beetles make up about 10% of beetle species throughout the world, but they are perhaps the most easily identifiable and the first type of beetle you likely think of when someone says “beetle”.

Most scarab beetles are easily identified by their oval-shaped bodies. They range in size from very small to incredibly large, though the largest species of scarab beetle, the Hercules beetle, is not native to North America.

On average, the scarab beetles in the US are between 0.08 inches and an inch in length. They are most commonly black or brown, though some can appear metallic or even have patterns on their bodies like stripes.

Scarab beetles are highly beneficial and important to a healthy ecosystem. For example, dung beetles help reduce disease and illness in livestock by removing tons of waste from pastures. Other types of scarab beetles are natural decomposers, eating everything from snail slime to dead animals and other insects. Scarab beetles are also known to eat plantlife, fungi, fruit, and carrion.

The below video further describes the importance of scarab beetles in the United States.

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Have you encountered a scarab beetle in your lifetime? Chances are the answer is yes. In fact, some common scarab beetles you may have heard of that are present in the United States include:

• Rose Beetles
• Dung Beetles
• Brown Chafer Beetles
• Brown and white June Beetles
• Green June Beetles
• Geraniums
• Iridescent Japanese Beetles

The above list of scarab beetles are just a few species that live in the United States. While most scarab beetles are highly beneficial to humans and livestock, some are considered agriculture pests. So, how do you get rid of scarab beetles when you don’t want them around?

Let’s find out.

How To Identify A Scarab Beetle Problem

Plant damage is often a telltale sign of scarab beetles in your garden. 

While most species of scarab beetles are beneficial, there are a few that can cause problems to agriculture. Scarab beetles are not dangerous to people or pets, but they can destroy plant-life, especially in very large numbers.

The two most common scarab beetle pests in the US are considered to be the June Beetle and the Japanese Beetle.

When looking into how to get rid of the scarab beetle, keep in mind that you’ll most likely be looking outside. The June Beetle and the Japanese Beetle in particular prefer to feed on plant life, and signs of damage include:

• Dead or dry patches in your yard
• Brown spots in your grass
• Shallow holes dug in your yard
• Skeletonized plants
• Plants that have been eaten to the stem
• Actually seeing scarab beetle species in your yard or on your plants

If you have noticed a serious problem with scarab beetles in your yard or garden, it’s important to act quickly. Scarab beetle species are known to reproduce rapidly, especially when it comes to Japanese beetles and June bugs.

But what has attracted these scarab beetles to your yard and how do you get rid of scarab beetles quickly and keep them from coming back? Keep reading.

What Attracts The Scarab Beetle To Your Home or Yard?

Some species of scarab beetle are attracted to ornamental and flowering plants like roses.

Like most pests, destructive scarab beetles like June bugs and Japanese beetles are after food, shelter and a good breeding ground.

Scarab beetles have a very diverse diet and can be attracted to a number of things from insects to dead and decaying animals, to human food sources, to fruit, vegetation, fungi and more.

Some of the most common components that attract scarab beetle to your yard or home could include:

• Shorter Grass
• Rose Bushes
• Plant Roots
• Ornamental Tree Leaves
• Flowering Garden Plants
• Shrubs
• Vegetable Crops
• Fruit Trees
• And Light

Most species of scarab beetle that are problematic in the United States are most active in spring and summer, though some can be problematic from June through September. Many scarab beetles, like June Beetles, lay eggs beneath the soil where their grubs remain, feeding on roots and wreaking havoc from below ground.

Once they reach adulthood, these beetles emerge from the earth to feed on tree leaves and other food sources.

How To Get Rid Of The Scarab Beetle – Most Popular Methods

Getting rid of scarab beetles can be done using a few different methods. 

It can be difficult to know how to get rid of the scarab beetle because these pest’s grubs overwinter below ground. Often, treating just the surface of your yard or garden for scarab beetles will only get rid of adults, leaving your yard susceptible to scarab beetle grubs below the soil.

Luckily, once you have identified which type of scarab beetle species you are dealing with, you should be able to come up with a treatment plan for how to get rid of them. There are a few different methods you can use for how to get rid of the scarab beetle, including natural methods, home remedies, insecticides and professional pest control.

Natural Methods

Scarab beetles can invade gardens in large numbers and may be difficult to get rid of using traditional pest control methods. That said, many people have found that using natural methods like dusts and traps work very well for how to get rid of the scarab beetle .

We are fans of natural methods for how to get rid of the scarab beetle as well for a number of reasons. Not only are they effective, but natural methods are also a safer form of pest control to use around children, pets and the environment.

Home Remedies

Along with using natural methods for how to get rid of the scarab beetle, you can also try your hand at do it yourself pest control by making your own homemade recipes and traps to get rid of scarab beetles.

Like many pests, scarab beetles are sensitive to a number of household ingredients, which we will list further down.

Insecticides

Though many natural remedies can be highly effective, they may not work as effectively as insecticides for very large scarab beetle infestations. If you have noticed an abundance of yard damage due to scarab beetle activity, your best bet may be to use insecticides geared towards managing the specific species of scarab beetle you are dealing with.

Professionals

Some scarab beetle infestations are too large for the above methods and require professional help and sometimes may even require the application of pesticides. Pesticides can be dangerous and harmful to people, pets and the environment and, in many cases, may only be applied by professionals.

We will discuss when and how to contact local pest control experts in your area for how to get rid of the scarab beetle, but before we do, let’s talk about how to get rid of the scarab beetle on your own beginning with using natural products.

How To Get Rid Of The Scarab Beetle Using Natural Methods

Using natural methods to get rid of scarab beetles can be attractive to those who want to protect their edible garden vegetation. 

As we mentioned briefly above, many natural products sold for how to get rid of the scarab beetle are safe to use around children, pets and the environment. Natural products are especially beneficial when you are using them on ornamental or edible plants, or in areas around your yard where kiddos and pets roam.

Some of the most popular natural products for how to get rid of the scarab beetle are made with plant-based, natural ingredients that won’t harm the environment. That said, many of them are still considered pest control products and should be kept out of reach of children and used only as directed.

Are you wondering what some of our favorite products for how to get rid of the scarab beetle are? We have listed them below for you to consider. Take a look.

Diatomaceous Earth Crawling Insect Killer

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First on our list of natural products you can use for how to get rid of the scarab beetle is the above Diatomaceous Earth dust. This dust is a natural insecticide derived from fossilized algae. The compound pierces the exoskeleton of insects like scarab beetles, which then dehydrates and kills them.

While diatomaceous earth is highly effective when it comes to pest control, it is also completely harmless and safe to use around people, pets and the environment. In fact, it is so gentle you can even use it directly on vegetation and even edible plants.

Nature’s Good Guys – Beneficial Nematodes

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As we’ll cover further down, the gurbs of scarab beetles can sometimes be the most problematic. In order to eliminate scarab beetles effectively, you must start with their grubs, and this is where beneficial nematodes come in.

Beneficial nematodes are parasitic worms that are harmless to people, pets and plant-life while being highly effective against pests like scarab beetle grubs. These parasitic worms devour grubs and other underground pests like fungus gnats, flies, fleas and more.

Cedarcide Cedar Granules

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Cedar wood is highly repulsive to scarab beetles, which is great news for anyone looking for a natural way to get rid of these pests. Best of all, cedar wood smells great! You can help get rid of scarab beetles and their grubs by dispersing cedar granules throughout your garden.

This will help repel a number of pests including scarab beetles, termites, moths, mosquitoes, roaches, and ants. Furthermore, these cedar granules are 100% organic and natural and perfectly safe to use in gardens and yards where children and pets play.

Milky Spore Grub Control

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While introducing a natural disease into your garden may sound counter-productive, the truth is that Milky Spore, a bacteria known to kill out Japanese beetles and other types of Scarab beetle grubs, is highly effective while also being safe for your plants and yard.

This is an organic product by St. Gabriel Organics and works to not only control scarab beetles but also their grubs. It treats up to 7,000 square feet and is safe to use in areas where children and pets play. It is also safe for the environment and continues to work for up to 20 years.

How To Get Rid Of The Scarab Beetle Using Home Remedies

Garlic is especially repulsive to scarab beetles and can be used in gardens to repel them.

If you’re into home remedies and do it yourself pest control, then you’ll love this section on how to get rid of the scarab beetle using home remedies. While there are many household ingredients recommended for natural pest control, scarabs in particular are repelled by some specific household ingredients.

Let’s go over how to get rid of the scarab beetle by making your own sprays, essential oils, and by utilizing companion planting in your yard.

DIY Scarab Beetle Repellent Spray

Ingredients

• Four tbsps Of Liquid Dish Soap
• One Spray Bottle Half-Filled With Water

Directions

Combine the dish soap and water in a spray bottle and shake the bottle until the solution is sudsy. Though simple, the above solution can help kill scarab beetles on contact. It will not eliminate a scarab beetle infestation on your property but can help reduce the population while you work on other means of scarab beetle control.

Consider Companion Planting For how to get rid of the scarab beetle

The most problematic scarab beetles in the US tend to be June bugs and Japanese Beetles. While there are a variety of plants that these two species of scarab beetle are attracted to, there are some specific plants that can help deter them.

These plants include:

• Marigolds
• White Chrysanthemum
• Garlic
• Tansy
• Chives
• Catnip
• Onions
• Leeks
• Larkspur

Best Essential Oils For how to get rid of the scarab beetle

Along with companion planting and using a dish soap and water deterrent spray, you can also work on how to get rid of the scarab beetle using essential oils. Some of the best essential oils recommended by experts for how to get rid of the scarab beetle include:

• Peppermint Oil
• Cedar Oil
• Neem Oil

You can make your own essential oil spray for how to get rid of the scarab beetle by combining ten to 20 drops of the above essential oils in a spray bottle filled with two cups of water. Mix the solution carefully and then spray it around your yard and landscaping to protect your garden from these pests.

Of course, be careful about which plants you spray directly with the above essential oils, as some may be harmed by them.

How To Get Rid Of The Scarab Beetle Using Insecticides

Very large infestations of Scarab beetles may require insecticide application treatments. 

Let’s face it. Natural methods and home remedies may not be enough to contend with a very large scarab beetle infestation. Because these pests can be so problematic, it’s important to look at all aspects of pest control care you can use in order to quell the damage quickly.

That said, while insecticides do work for how to get rid of the scarab beetle, they also can contain harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients that can be harmful to people, pets and the environment. For that reason, you should always make sure to use insecticides only as directed and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Some of the most highly recommended insecticides by experts for how to get rid of the scarab beetle are listed below.

Garden Safe Houseplant and Garden Insect killer

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If you are looking for a more natural insecticide you can use directly on your garden plants to protect them from scarab beetles, we recommend the above spray by Garden Safe. It is made with botanical ingredients that help repel and kill pests like scarab beetles, aphids, tomato hornworms, fruitworms and more.

This product is specifically designed to be used on edible plants, ornamental plants, trees, shrubs, flowers and roses. It is also safe to use around people and pets and can even be used indoors on potted houseplants

However, while it does contain natural ingredients for how to get rid of the scarab beetle, this spray also contains pyrethrins, which is an insecticide chemical that can be harmful to people and pets. With that in mind, use this spray only as directed and keep it out of reach of children.

Bio Advanced Tree and Shrub Protect & Feed

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The above concentrate by Bio Advanced can help for how to get rid of the scarab beetle as it is specifically designed to protect above ground vegetation like trees and shrubs that may be susceptible to scarab beetle infestations and damage.

It uses the active ingredient imidacloprid for how to get rid of the scarab beetle, which is an insecticide that is time released and works to kill pests like Japanese beetles, caterpillars, Emerald Ash Borers, and other plant-destroying insects.

This product can work on trees and shrubs for up to one year and can also be used on potted plants and flower beds.

Spectracide Beetle Killer

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Another popular insecticide you can use for how to get rid of the scarab beetle is a spray by Spectradcide. Specifically designed to target Japanese beetles, this product kills on contact and can be used on flowers, shrubs, trees and other vegetation and plant life.

It is also effective against other pests like whiteflies, aphids, spider mites and more. While this product is effective and useful on plants that scarab beetles are attracted to, keep in mind that it is an insecticide and can be harmful to people, pets and the environment.

Bonide Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray

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Any insecticide that contains pyrethrin is going to be effective for how to get rid of the scarab beetle, so we have included Bonide’s Pyrethrin Garden Spray for how to get rid of the scarab beetle in your yard.

The spray comes in a concentrate that should be diluted with water and can be used on a number of plants including edible vegetation. This insecticide is also helpful in controlling and eliminating aphids, webworms, leafhoppers, and more.

BioAdvanced Rose and Flower Insect Killer

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Scarab beetles, especially Japanese beetles, can be especially attracted to flowering and ornamental plants like roses. For this reason, we are listing a product specifically designed to protect ornamental plants like roses and flowers.

The product works for how to get rid of the scarab beetle within one hour of application and is designed to protect your plants from scarab beetles and other pests like aphids for up to 30 days. You can use this product both indoors and out and use it on garden plants as well as potted plants, flowers in flower beds and on indoor house plants.

Compare-N-Save Systemic Tree and Shrub Insect Drench

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The last insecticide on our list for how to get rid of the scarab beetle is the above concentrated drench by Compare-N-Save. It is designed to be used on outdoor vegetation only and can help keep pests like scarab beetles, leaf miners, aphids, emerald ash borers and other pests at bay for up to one year after application.

Again, this product’s active ingredient is imidacloprid, which is an insecticide that can be harmful to people and pets and should be used only as directed.

How to get rid of the scarab beetle – When To Call A Professional

While many species of scarab beetle are beneficial, some are not and can be incredibly destructive.

Though most scarab beetle species are considered beneficial, the few that are problematic can be highly destructive. They can be difficult to treat in very large numbers and, in some cases, scarab beetle infestations require the use of pesticides in order to get rid of them.

Pesticides often contain harmful chemical toxins that can be dangerous for people, pets and the environment and are often only allowed to be used by professional pest control experts who know how to apply them safely.

Do you need to contact a professional for how to get rid of the scarab beetle on your property? Most pest control experts generally charge between $100 and $500 for scarab beetle removal, but this price can vary depending on your region and the severity of your scarab beetle infestation.

Once you have managed to figure out how to get rid of the scarab beetle, your next focus should be on prevention.

How To Prevent A Future Problem With Scarab Beetles

There are several steps you can and should take to protect your garden from scarab beetles.  

We cannot stress enough the importance of prevention when it comes to pest control and especially when it comes to how to get rid of the scarab beetle. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to keep these pests from returning to your property once you have managed to get rid of them.

Some of these steps include:

Removing Scarab Beetle Grubs

Though adult scarab beetles are damaging, their grubs can be even worse. Grubs can destroy plant life from the ground up, wreaking havoc on vegetation and leading to hideous dead and dying patches throughout your yard.

Grubs are generally found in the soil during their grub stage, which is around spring and fall. During this time, take care to treat the soil with a liquid dish soap and water spray. Make sure you saturate the soil with this spray to get the grubs to surface. Once they do, you can remove them by hand or encourage predators like birds to get their “grub” on. (Pun totally intended).

Attract The Predators

And speaking of using predators for how to get rid of the scarab beetle, there are an abundance of them. Some of the best predators for scarab beetles include birds, parasitic wasps, raccoons, moles, shrews, spiders, ants, and assassin bugs.

Introduce Beneficial Nematodes

Another method you can use for how to get rid of the scarab beetle and their grubs quickly is by introducing beneficial nematodes, as we mentioned briefly above. These harmless parasitic worms are excellent for gardens as they feed on problematic grubs while leaving other, beneficial critters like earthworms alone.

Take Advantage Of Companion Planting

While there are many plants that scarab beetle pests like June bugs and Japanese beetles are attracted to, there are also many that deter them. Best of all, your entire garden does not need to consist entirely of these pest-deterrent plants in order for them to be effective. Instead, simply plant these plants strategically throughout your garden to repel scarab beetles and other pests.

Remember, the best plants for how to get rid of the scarab beetle include marigolds, white chrysanthemums, garlic, chives, tansy, catnip, onions, leeks, and larkspur.

Install Row Covers

Row covers can help protect your garden from a variety of pests like birds, raccoons, squirrels, and yes, scarab beetles. We recommend row covers for edible plants and vegetation, but they can also be beneficial for other types of plants as well.

Use A Year-Round Pest Control 

Last, we always recommend using a year-round pest control method for how to get rid of the scarab beetle and keep them from returning. Whether you choose natural methods for pest control, dust, sprays or professionals, we suggest doing it routinely to ensure you do not have to contend with scarab beetle problems again.

We hope this article has been helpful in teaching you how to get rid of the scarab beetle in your garden and on your property. Best of luck and happy gardening!