Weevil

Most of the common pest weevils are brown or black and tear-shaped. They have hard-shelled bodies and long snouts. They feed at night and hide in the soil during the day. The larvae are small witish grubs, which feed within the fruit, stem, or roots of plants. Eggs are typically laid on susceptible plants, or even injected into them. Winter may be passed as an adult or grub. Often, many generations occur in a year.

Larvae and adults feed on leaves and fruit. Larvae make zigzag paths into roots, fruit, or stems. The bean weevil does most of its damage with the dried seeds. Most garden vegetables, as well as apples, blueberries, cherries, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, rhubarb, and strawberries are susceptible to weevil damage.

Also, larvae can get into your flour, oatmeal, and other dry goods by eating through the boxes. If you see shedded skins in the goods, toss them out. However, eating them won't hurt you. But just the thought of it...yuck!

The best control is to inspect plants regularly and as soon as weevils appear, begin spraying weekly with pyrethrum, making sure to cover all leaf surfaces. For some weevil infestations, sabadilla is a better solution. Introduce predatory nematodes to stop the reproduction of weevils.

Other controls include handpicking by knocking them from trees using a padded stick (so as not to hurt the plant), let them fall on a sheet, then gather and destroy them. Also collect infested fruit.Botanical poisons include pyrethrum, rotenone, and sabadilla.

To prevent weevils, cleanup and destroy any dead plants in the fall. Rotate your crops every other year, and use Diatomaceous Earth dusted around the base of plants. Buy weevil resistant varieties such as Regal sweet potato.

Predators include bluebirds, warblers, wrens, and other birds. Beneficial nematodes should be released around planting time for the best protection. Spiders also catch adult weevils so leave them be if they are not in your way.

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