Larvae feed on roots of grasses and other plants. From southern Maine southward into Georgia and westward to the Mississippi River and Iowa. In early spring grubs begin feeding on grass roots until pupation in late spring. Adults begin to emerge in a few weeks and continue throughout early summer. Females lay about 40 to 60 eggs in small groups shallowly in the soil.
Eggs can hatch in as little as two weeks with favorable environmental conditions.
Larvae feed until temperatures fall when they burrow into the soil where they overwinter. It will be necessary to empty the beetles from the trap every day. Trapping for japanese beetles works best when performed on a community wide basis. Moles, skunks, and birds may also eat the larvae. Treat with a registered insecticide.