Vine Weevil

The evil weevil!

One of the most common garden pests in Ireland is the vine weevil. It is common in gardens throughout the country and causes damage to a wide range of plants. The larvae of the beetle will eat away at the plant's root system and suddenly plants like primulas collapse and come away in hand when tugged. The adult beetle is charcoal grey in colour and is nocturnal. The adults like to hide during the day, sheltering under leaves or in crevices in walls or fences. The larvae, which cause so much of the damage, are out of sight underground. They are cream-white in colour, have no legs and a small brown head. They form a 'C' shape and grow to approximately 10-12 mm in length.

The vine weevil will lay up to 1600 eggs over a 3-month period. The eggs are very small and are laid on the compost or soil surface, always very close to the stem of the plant, usually a choice plant and quite often one you have spent a lot of money on. The eggs hatch within 10-20 days and the larvae immediately start to work on feeding on the roots.

Damage is also caused by the adults. They can eat little semi-circular pieces out of the edges of leaves. They are particularly fond of rhododendrons and the telltale damage is left to be seen long after the adult has disappeared.

To control this pest in containers, I have found Provado to be very successful. This is available from leading garden centres around the country. Follow the instructions and do not use on edible crops.

For further information on the control of vine weevil, I have found "www.vine.weevil.co.uk" to be extremely valuable.