Vine Weevil

Otiorhynchus spp.

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Identification

Grubs are found among the roots. Plants wilt and die during autumn to spring as a result of the grubs devouring the roots.

Most commonly found on Echeveria, Aeonium and Crassula

Grubs are up to 10mm long with brown heads

Prevention

Encourage natural enemies in the garden. Vine weevils and their grubs are eaten by a variety of predators such as birds, frogs, toads, shrews, hedgehogs and predatory ground beetles.

Adult vine weevil beetle, may be seen on the plants

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First signs
First sign of vine weevils
Roots have gone
Roots have gone
Hollowed core Typical damage - the core is totally hollow

Cure

There are a number of insecticides that can be used to treat plants and give protection against attack. Bayer Provado Vine Weevil Killer 2 and Scotts Miracle-Gro BugClear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer can be used for any container-grown plants; they are watered onto the compost.

BugClear Ultra for Pots and Westland Bug Attack Quick Sticks are insecticide pins that are inserted into the compost.

Provado Ultimate Bug Killer is sprayed onto plant foliage to kill leaf pests, but may also give some control of vine weevil grubs . Westland Plant Rescue Bug Killer for Ornamental Plants is similar.

There is a good biological control - Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer. See our list of suppliers.

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