Beetles feed on the upper surface of leaves which results in a skeletonized appearance of damaged leaves. A female beetle produces 40 to 60 eggs during her lifetime. In Alabama, newly-hatched grubs are present during the last part of July and the first part of August most years. The best time to effectively control grubs is in late summer when they're small. Confirm the presence of grubs by digging several samples with a shovel in areas that have been previously infested, or in which Japanese beetle adults have been active.
Japanese beetles have a one-year life cycle.
Hand collecting beetles may not be the most effective method of control, but can be used when beetles are less numerous. Beetle presence on plants attract more beetles. Don't fall into the TRAP trap. In most home landscapes, using one or more traps may do more harm than good. The beetles are attracted into the area, many of which do not make it to traps.