Feeding is normally in the upper portions of trees. Beetles prefer plants in direct sun, so heavily wooded areas are rarely attacked. Adults are present until early to mid-August after mating females lay eggs in turf which hatch into grubs in August. Grubs feed on plant and turfgrass roots until cold weather drives them deeper into the soil. Adults emerge in late May or early June of the following year.
Control can be difficult.
New migrations of beetles occur daily. Generally pesticide sprays of cabaryl sold as Sevin can reduce damage for two to several days, but several applications are required to maintain control. Some home gardeners find picking them off by hand every couple of days can be just as effective as spraying. When disturbed, the beetles fold their legs and drop to the ground. Hold a can containing rubbing alcohol or water with detergent below the infested leaves.