Want to know how to get rid of black vine weevils? You’re not alone! Many gardeners deal with these critters that feed on ornamental plants. Contrary to popular belief, black vine weevils (also known as the taxus weevil) are most destructive in its larval stage.
Have you ever seen black vine weevil larvae? These small, white grubs are shaped like the letter “C” and they’re notorious for making tunnels through your plant’s root system when they’re feeding.
You’ll know that these creatures found their way to your plant because the leaves become dry even if you water them on a regular basis. What’s more, the plant’s growth becomes stunted.
On the other hand, adult black vine weevils are approximately 3/4-inch long and they’re large black insects that cannot fly. They have short, broad snouts, elbowed antennae, and short hairs all over their wings.
They commonly feed at night; they chew on the edges of leaves, causing plant damage. During the daytime, they hide between soil cracks and mulch, so they’re really hard to spot.
The Life Cycle of Black Vine Weevils
Black vine weevil larva can overwinter in the soil around the root structure of host plants. During the spring, they change to pupae and start emerging as adults. After 14 days or more (depending on temperature and condition), they begin depositing eggs near the crowns of the host plants. Hatching then occurs within 10 days, and the tiny larvae lair into the soil and begin feeding.
How to Control Black Vine Weevils
You can prevent the weevils from further damaging your plants by removing the mulch and other hiding areas around your plant’s base. Additionally, you should only water when necessary since larvae and adult black vine weevils prefer moist environments.
As Black Vine Weevils are non-flying insects, so they travel from plant to plant by crawling. You can prevent them from spreading to other plants by creating a sticky barrier as the first line of defense.
Apply diatomaceous earth for long-lasting pest protection. It is made up of small and tiny fossilized aquatic organisms, and it can kill weevils by damaging their outer layer as it crawls over the fine powder. Contains non-toxic ingredients that are good for your plants.
During the immature stages of its life cycle, the black vine weevil can be easily attacked by plant-friendly, small and slender worms called nematodes. The attack of the nematodes against the weevils usually takes place when the weevils infest potted plants.
If you’re planning to use a biological insecticide, you need to pick one that has an entomopathogenic fungus in it called Beauveria bassiana. This fungus can eliminate a wide range of pests and prevent reinfestation. Compared to other types of pesticides, this can effectively provide your plants with the protection they need.
Fast-acting crack and fissure sprays can be used around windows, doors, and vents to prevent adult weevils from possibly entering your home.
Weevil Removal Alternatives
If you are not a fan of using chemicals to kill these bugs, there are several natural alternatives you can try. For instance, you can always choose to make use of cloves, as well as bay leaves because weevils wouldn’t want to have anything to do with them.
White vinegar is also known to kill some other kind of weevils. After cleaning your containers with soapy water, wipe them down with white vinegar to prevent a future infestation from occurring.
Removal of weevils is an extensive process, but it’s definitely doable. For example, if you plan on storing dried goods, be sure to freeze them before you place them in containers that are properly sealed. Unless you do so, you’ll be running the risk of having the weevils back again.
If your kitchen was infested with weevils, give a team of pest experts a call right away. They may have experience in using eco-friendly solutions to kill weevils and protect your family from future infestation.
Put burlap fabric on the bases of trees and shrubs to trap weevils that hid under it during the day. As this type of pest cannot fly, checking your window, door, and ventilation edges will help you to mitigate this pest before an overt infestation.
Why Grow Your Plants Inside a Mini Greenhouse?
Have you ever used a mini greenhouse before? If you haven’t, it’s definitely worth a try. Here are some of the reasons why you should try using a mini greenhouse for your plants:
Protect your plants from pests and diseases
Gardeners use a mini greenhouse to protect their plants from pests and diseases. Aphids, black vine weevils, cabbage worms, and other pests can harm your plants. Keeping them in an enclosed space reduces the chances of diseases from spreading and pest infestation.
Keep them safe from bad weather
Heavy rain, excessive heat, storms, and overall bad weather can be damaging to your plants. Growing them inside a greenhouse shields them safe from inclement weather. Your plants will continue to grow healthily inside the greenhouse.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Rid Of Black Vine Weevils
There are many kinds of Weevils and they have different ways of damaging plants. Some weevils may directly eat the leaves while others use these plants to hatch their eggs and then the larvae then will eventually damage your plants.
It’s important to know how to get rid of black vine weevils to ensure that all your plants are healthy and pest-free.