Biological controlfor the larvae is available as microscopic insect pathogenic nematodes. Several species and combinations are available ( Steinernema kraussei, Heterorhabditis megidis, H. bacteriophora and S. feltiae). They are availablefrom suppliers of biological controls and as sachet formulations available from some retail outlets. They are suitable for use in containers and in the open ground.For best results apply in August or early September when the soil temperature or potting mediais warm enough for the nematodes to be effective ( Steinernema species 5-20ºC/41-68ºF Heterorhabditus species 12-20ºC/ 54-68ºF) and before the vine weevil grubs have grown large enough to cause serious damage This ingenious method is proving very popular amongst many gardeners, who are reporting very positive results. The wooden traps need to be placed gel side down on wet or damp soil, so ensure the soil area below plants is well watered if dry. Position the traps, gel side downwards, near affected plants allowing one board for each 10 square metres. Keep the areas damp during spells of dry weather. The nematodes will remain active for at least 6 weeks. You have had the goods delivered within seven working days of delivery from Future Garden Ltd, this starts from the day after the goods have been signed for. Vine Weevils are particularly fond of plants in pots or containers, where the roots are restricted. If containers are large enough then place one trap within the confines of the container’s soil surface.

BugClear™ Ultra Vine Weevil Killer only has approval for use on ornamental and flowering plants growing in containers. It cannot be used on the soil in the garden or on edible crops. The adult vine weevils eat your leaves between April and October, which gives it the energy to lay eggs. Commercial nurseries may sometimes add chemicals to the compost to control them. It is always worth asking when you are buying particularly susceptible plants if any such chemicals have been used. Or you can use Zee No Weevil, a granular product applied to the surface of compost or around the base of susceptible plants. It is made from dried, crushed olive pommace (the dried leftovers from making organic olive oil) and aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Leaf damage is visibly obvious as the adult weevils nibble at the edge of leaves, causing irregular-shaped notches in the leaf margins, during the summer months. However, root damage caused by the young larvae is not always immediately obvious. The plump, creamy white legless grubs have light brown heads and are up to 10mm long. They are likely to be found among the roots, where they feed voraciously.These evil weevils can destroy a garden, so the sight of dead weevils after using this product was a happy one indeed :) Their body is also pear-shaped from above, and clearly divided into two segments. Vine weevil treatment UK Nematodes If only a few pots are affected, try sifting the grubs out by hand. Squash any you find before repotting the plants in fresh compost and putting the rest in the bin. What about barriers for vine weevil? Large items are sent via a standard 48L (48 hour large) service. Large items take from 2 working days to arrive.

Plants growing in pots and containers, outdoors or under cover, are most likely to be severely damaged by vine weevil grubs. Plants growing in the open ground are less likely to be damaged, althoughheavy infestations ofgrubscanoccur on strawberries, Primula, polyanthus, Sedum ,Heuchera and young yew plants. Have you any other top tips you think are worth a mention? Please leave a comment below and let us know.... The only downside to nematodes is you have to store in the fridge before use, but that’s nothing too onerous. Yes, vine weevils jump down to plants from walls, particularly in greenhouses, to land near pots. That’s why it’s important to keep infested plants away from walls. Applying Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer in March, or early spring, when temperatures are at least 5°C will stop the grubs from becoming adults thus breaking the life cycle. However, the adults will still be wreaking havoc during the nights as they fly from plant to plant laying their eggs. To ensure adults are also eliminated, place Nematop® Weevil-Stop traps from May onwards.Vine-weevil grubs usually hatch after two weeks and immediately start to feed on the roots of their host. Fully-grown grubs burrow deeper into the soil to pupate, usually in late spring. Most adults do not emerge until the following June or July, when the whole cycle starts over again. Is the vine-weevil life cycle different indoors? A trap containing nematodes ( Steinernema carpocapsae), isavailable for controlling adult vine weevil. The traps should be placed on the ground below plants damaged by the weevils during the summer. The adults enter the trap during the day and are infected by the nematodes

My problem was 5 or so young potted plants with characteristic notch damage on the leaf margins. I didn't find the adult weevils, but binned the five affected pots. Although vine weevil is one of the most troublesome of all garden pests the gardener now has some very effective methods of control options. In the first instance, look for signs of damage to leaves, which might indicate the presence of vine weevil. Plants that do not appear to be growing as well as they should, are sure signs that the vine weevil grubs may be active below ground. Use the measure provided to mix 60ml of BugClear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer with 1 litre of water in a watering can or mixing vessel. Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer can be applied to pots or direct to the soil anytime from March to November. It is highly recommended to apply first in the spring and then again in the autumn to prevent the vine weevil grubs from overwintering in the soil or compost, ready to wreak havoc again in the following spring. Note that the nematodes are only active when soil temperatures are above 5°C. For the most effective control, simply add the nematodes to a watering can and apply directly to the open soil or directly to pots, tubs and containers. Another way is to use a physical barrier as the adult beetles cannot fly from plant to plant. Stand potted plants on upturned pots sat in saucers of water - the adults can't swim. Or surround the pots with Barrier Glue available from Agralan - the adults cannot walk across it. With either of these methods it is important to move plants away from walls or greenhouse/conservatory walls as the adults can jump down onto them; they cannot fly.It’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to see the vine weevil eggs in compost or soil as they’re so tiny - less than 1mm.

We waited for rain: it rained steadily for two days before we applied the vine weevil nematodes and rained again for a few days afterwards. The product is very easy to use. Getting it to the roots of large shrubs is the biggest problem. I gave a 4/5 mark because I don't know yet if all the vine weevils are dead. However, from a ease of use viewpoint, it get 5 out of 5. Nematodes work for six weeks, but give up to four months since they prevent the larvae from hatching into adults and causing another lifecycle. The nematodes can give poor results in dry or heavy soils. They work best in lighter soils and open potting composts, such as peat or coir. Nematodes can be used safely on all edible and ornamental plants Using the measure provided, mix 60 ml of BugClear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer with 1 litre of water in a watering can or mixing vessel. Ornamental plants grown in containers can be treated with the systemic neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid (e.g. Bug Clear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer) as a liquid drench applied to the compost. This insecticide gives protection against the grubs for up four months; treatment in mid- to late summer will control the young larvae and prevent damage occurring later in the autumn to spring period. This product cannot be used to treat edible plants or ornamental plants growing in the ground

MightyNem® Vine Weevil Nematodes 10 sq m

Dilute the concentrated liquid as recommended on the label and water it on to the compost in the containers. It works in the roots and the compost, where it will protect against vine weevil and other compost-dwelling insect plant pests for up to 2 months. If all else fails, and providing it is safe to do so, apply a chemical spray (Bug Clear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer Concentrate) during mid-June and again in August.