Vine Weevil
Otiorhynchus spp.
Please go to our Glossary link at the bottom of the page for explanations of scientific terms
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
 First sign of vine weevils |
 Roots have gone |
 |
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.