How to Kill Vine Weevil Grubs

The vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is a hard-shelled black beetle about a 1/4-inch in length with a characteristic pointed proboscis or snout. Each female lays up to 200 eggs in summer and these hatch as cream-colored larvae that look like small, 1/4-inch caterpillars. The larvae, or grubs, feed on the roots and bulbs of many of the ornamental plants that gardeners favor. This can cause stunted growth and death. After a period of feeding, the grubs turn into cocoons that hatch out as adult vine weevils. The weevils cause damage by eating foliage.

Parasitic nematodes
Insecticide
Potting compost

Instructions

- 1
  Apply parasitic nematodes specially cultivated to attack vine weevil grubs. Nematodes are tiny naturally occurring organisms sold commercially as pest control agents. Apply the nematodes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- 2
  Remove dead vegetation from around plants and don’t leave them standing in water. Rotting vegetation and wet conditions encourage vine weevils. Avoid applying too much mulch for the same reason.
- 3
  Apply insecticide to plants if you see vine weevils on them. Killing the vine weevils before they lay their eggs can help to contain infestations. Buy insecticide formulated to kill vine weevils, and follow the instructions on the packaging.
- 4
  Remove vine weevils by hand when you see them, and destroy them.
- 5
  Remove potted plants from their containers when you see evidence of vine weevils. Carefully shake out the soil from the roots, removing grubs and destroying them. Clean all the soil from roots and dispose of it. Repot in fresh compost.

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