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Control Methods Overview
Non Chemical
Good hygiene especially in glasshouses. Keeping all areas free from debris reduces the number of hiding places.
Provide physical barriers as vine weevils walk and do not fly; protect individual pots and the legs of greenhouse staging with sticky tape smeared with non drying glue or fruit grease.
Chemical
There are a significant number of pesticide products available for the treatment of Vine Weevils. The use of chemicals is required for the control of adults as their extended activity period makes them difficult to eradicate. The most effective time to spray is during the evening when the adult vine weevil is active....
How to get rid of Vine Weevils - Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricius) Family Curculionidae
Weevils are scurrying insects. There are a number of weevil families which include a number of different species which are plant specific. Curculionidae is the main family of weevils to which Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Fabricius) belongs. They avoid grassy areas and tend to stay within 9m of where they hatch. They are the most important species for attacking outdoor container grown plants, plants in borders and glasshouse plants.
Vine weevils are about 7-10mm long; black and shiny. They are parallel-sided and coated with patches of yellowish hairs; with deep body ridging and no wings. They have antennae which have a very long basal segment (scape). The adult females emerge outside, usually from patio pots and crevices in outbuildings, around May and June. Virtually all vine weevils are female and reproduce pathenogenetically. Vine weevils are nocturnal and feed on the foliage of plants, leaving irregular notches on the leaf margin of plants. They hide during the day in plant debris and crevices. The vine weevil lays her eggs in the soil near the host plants and they hatch 2 - 3 weeks later. The emerging larvae attack the plant roots, corms or rhizomes. This is the most detrimental stage to the plant.
A vine weevil attack on a plant can be fatal. Initially, affected plants lack vigour and may suddenly wilt or collapse despite the presence of water. When the root system is investigated it is lacking. Damage is especially noticeable on outdoor containerised plants growing in peat compost and on glasshouse pot plants, but may also be extensive in nursery beds and rock gardens. Some of the more susceptible plants are from the Rosaceae family, Ericaceae family and Taxaceae family.
I have found success in reducing vine weevil infestations by adopting the non chemical approach. Firstly good hygiene is observed and this is then followed by the use of biological control, if required, this approach contains costs.