The grubs are deadly. When fig beetle eggs hatch, the grubs/larvae feed on decomposing material. Unfortunately, they also feed voraciously on the finer plant feeder roots.

The fig-eating beetle (Cotinis mutabilis), which resembles the shiny green june bug, chews holes in ripe, soft figs. • Gophers are a major problem for in-ground trees.

Fig beetle grubs are great bird food. When you turn your compost pile, leave it uncovered for a few hours so that the grubs are visible to birds.