What kind of beetle is that? (And what should you do if you see one?)
Thanks for sharing this vivid (and totally relatable) nighttime bathroom encounter! That bang against the lamp is unmistakable—and yes, it really does make you jump.
You’ve already done half the work by figuring out it’s not a cockchafer. Let me confirm your identification, explain why it was in your bathroom, and—most importantly—tell you what to do (and what not to do) if you find another one.
✅ First, the good news: The cockchafer is harmless.
First, take a deep breath. The cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha), sometimes called a « May beetle » or « doodlebug, » is not dangerous to humans or pets.
It doesn’t bite or sting. Those pincers on its head? They’re for eating plant leaves, not pinching people.
It’s not poisonous. No poison, no irritation.
It doesn’t infest houses. It’s an insect that lives outdoors and accidentally flew into your home, attracted by the light in the bathroom.
So why did it choose your bathroom? You’ve probably guessed it: light.
🪲 Why was it in your bathroom?
May bugs are nocturnal and strongly attracted to light sources—especially white or bright light. The light in your bathroom, reflected off the shiny tiles and porcelain, acted like a beacon.
They also appear in late spring (April–May) for their short flight period as adults, which lasts only 4–6 weeks. During this time, the males fly noisily at dusk and into the night in search of females. This is when they are most likely to accidentally fly into a lit room through an open window or even down a chimney.
May bugs are noisy and attracted to light sources. Your bathroom offered all the ideal conditions:
A bright light on at night ✅
An open window or a crack around a vent ✅
Warm, humid air (which they find inviting) ✅
It wasn’t looking for a new home. It was simply lost.
🔍 May beetle vs. cockchafer: How to identify it
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