Has anyone had luck eradicating Japanese beetles from their veg gardens?

I just started to see some destruction on my basil plants and I pulled them out of the pots and garden and took the beetles out. A garden website said that was the best way to deal with them. One site said to actually put the beetles in a bowl of soapy water and leave it in the garden....the scent of dead beetles deters new ones?! Haven't tried it but will give it a go.

I don't use any pesticides in my garden.
Would love to know what other gardeners do.
Thanks, D.