Featured Image Source: Britannica
Scarab beetles in Florida are more than just odd-looking backyard visitors. They’re part of a story that stretches back thousands of years, from Egyptian symbolism to the sandy oak scrubs of Central Florida. That’s why we need to understand what they are, how they behave, and whether they’re truly a pest or a misunderstood ally to our gardens.
Learning the Basics
Nature rarely makes things simple but it’s what always makes them fascinating. Scarab beetles belong to the family Scarabaeidae, and while their name may bring to mind ancient Egyptian jewelry or giant jungle beetles, Florida’s scarabs are a bit more down-to-earth, literally.
Here in Florida, we’re home to over 30 species of scarab beetles, each with its own habits and purpose. You’ll find familiar faces like the June beetle, the hardworking dung beetle, and even the visually striking Peltotrupes profundus, a deep-burrowing species that creates small volcano-like sand mounds in your yard.
Still, confusion is normal. We often mistake scarab beetles for bess beetles, stag beetles, or even carpenter beetles. It doesn’t help that many of these insects share a similar size and shape. But there are clear differences and this is how to identify a scarab beetle:
Photo Source -> University of Florida
Scarab beetles have a distinct build that sets them apart once you know what to look for. They’re usually oval-shaped, sturdy, and come in shades of brown to black. Some Florida species even display metallic greens or purples when sunlight hits their wing covers, an eye-catching feature that surprises many first-time observers.
Their lamellate antennae (those fan-like tips) are another giveaway. They're used for detecting scents in the soil or air. Add in their powerful front legs built for digging, and you’ve got a beetle that’s ready to do some serious underground work.
Where Do Scarab Beetles Live?
Scarab beetles favor sandy, well-drained soils. That means you’ll often find them in natural or lightly maintained spaces, including gardens, mulched flower beds, and under compost piles.
Florida’s scarab beetles follow a rhythm tied to our weather. They tend to be most visible during the winter months, especially in cooler, dry periods. That’s when adults emerge to mate, often leaving behind those telltale mounds or showing up around outdoor lights.
And speaking of lights, scarabs are nocturnal. If you’ve ever noticed beetles flying toward your porch light or buzzing against your garage door at night, chances are it’s a scarab.
But if you find them after a storm, it’s a natural part of their life cycle, not a sign of invasion. It’s because the ground softens, making it easier for beetles to dig upward. These "beetle blooms" are brief, harmless, and often go unnoticed unless you're looking for them.
What Do Scarab Beetles Eat?
Adult scarab beetles are usually scavengers. They feed on decaying fruit, animal dung, and sometimes rotting leaves or plant roots. You might spot them nosing around compost piles, fallen citrus, or garden beds after a storm.
Larvae, better known as white grubs, live beneath the soil. While some feed on decaying plant material and help break it down naturally, others may feed on the roots of turfgrass. That’s where we start seeing problems in lawns, especially when grub populations get out of hand.
Are Scarab Beetles Harmful or Helpful?
I’ve walked hundreds of Florida properties in my lifetime, and if there’s one thing I can say for certain, it’s that scarab beetles are more misunderstood than malicious.
Let’s clear the air on a few popular worries:
❌ They don’t bite or sting.
❌ They’re not poisonous or dangerous to your pets or family.
unless you’ve got a heavy infestation of grubs beneath your turf, they’re likely helping your landscape, not hurting it. They break down organic waste, recycle nutrients, and even reduce pests like flies by burying dung.
So no, 90% of the time you don’t need to worry as they’re basically natural recyclers.
When They Become a Problem
That said, not all scarab activity is benign. In most cases, they’re harmless helpers but when grub populations boom, especially from non-native species or in over-irrigated lawns, problems can crop up fast.
Here are the warning signs:
Dead or thinning grass patches that don’t respond to reseeding
Wilting turf despite regular watering and care
Wildlife like raccoons, armadillos, or birds digging up your yard to get to the grubs below
This is where many folks panic and start treating the lawn without knowing what’s really going on. But here’s the truth:
Most healthy lawns can handle a few grubs without ever showing signs of stress
Jumping straight to chemicals or treatments may end up doing more harm than good, both to your lawn and the ecosystem around it.
Fun Fact – Scarabs in Mythology
Long before Florida’s sandy soils became home to our native scarab beetles, these insects were already earning a place in human history. In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle wasn’t just a bug, it was a sacred symbol. Revered as a representation of the sun god Ra, and was believed to roll the sun across the sky, much like the beetles we see here rolling dung into neat little spheres.
To the Egyptians, the scarab symbolize rebirth, protection, and eternal life. Scarab amulets were worn by kings, placed in tombs, and etched into sacred texts. Even today, their image carries powerful meaning in art and culture around the world.
It’s a reminder that these little creatures have been inspiring awe for thousands of years. Not because of what they destroy, but because of what they do. Here in Florida, our scarabs may not guide the sun, but they still play a vital role in keeping our environment healthy and balanced. Sometimes, the best pest control starts with simply recognizing which creatures are worth protecting.
Coexist or Control?
At the end of the day, not everything crawling through your lawn needs to be chased off or wiped out. Scarab beetles, in most cases, are not only non-invasive, they’re downright beneficial. From recycling nutrients to supporting the food chain, these beetles do a lot more good than most folks realize.
So if you spot one waddling across your walkway or see a few around your garden lights at night, take a breath. Chances are, it’s helping more than hurting.
Only when you start seeing clear signs of grub-related lawn damage should you consider action. And when that time comes, it’s important to approach it the right way.
Our goal is to help your lawn thrive, not just to eliminate bugs, but to support a healthier environment for your home and your family.