Question
In 2008, I found June bugs feasting on my peach tree at night.  This year I have a nice crop & would like to prevent a repeat of last year.  I live in zip 79830 (West Texas).  Is netting safe/small enough holes to prevent the June bugs from getting to the leaves & stripping the tree? Thank you for answering my questions.
Ginny

Answer
Virginia,

Of course it depends on how fine the netting is but I think you might be better off treating the foliage with something like neem oil. You could also try to control larvae in the soil to prevent damage next year.

Treating foliage:

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is very effective against leaf feeding insects. You'll need to apply it at regular intervals as long as the beetles are present (see label instructions). Since you have only one tree this should not be too difficult. See this page http://www.livingwithbugs.com/neem_oil.html for information about using neem oil insecticide.

Treating larvae in the soil:

For next year, consider treating the soil around the tree with Milky Spore to control June beetle (June bug) larvae that live in soil. June beetles, like Japanese beetles, develop in soil feeding on the roots of plants. If you can reduce the number of larvae you'll have fewer adult beetles the following year. These insects can take several years to develop so it may take a few years to reduce their numbers. Milky Spore is a natural insecticide for Japanese beetles and June beetles that is applied to the soil. See this page about Japanese beetles http://www.livingwithbugs.com/japanese_beetle.html (the same information applies to June beetles).

I hope this is useful.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
Extension Entomologist (ret.)
author Living with Bugs: http://www.livingwithbus.com/bug_book.html