Vine weevil grubs

Every year I have trouble with the grubs of the vine weevil. I have spent lots of money on the liquid killer and wondered if there was another way to deal with these pests. Would covering the top of the compost with grit or tiny stones stop them? I am talking about lots and lots of plants in pots and tubs.

 

Yes, but you need to put the grit with at least 2 inches in depth. If you have plants with single stems, like standard fuchsias then you can put a circle of plastic (or whatever) like those used for stopping cabbage root fly. The adult lays the eggs on the soil next to the stem of the plant and the tiny hatchlings crawl down the stem to the roots. If she cannot find the soil then she goes elsewhere.

 

Thank you for that Palustris. I will look into doing this. It may save me a lot of money on vine weevil killer which only lasts about 4 months. 2 inches of grit seems a lot but I am willing to give it a go.

 

I just use about a half to an inch of grit, usually white, in my pots. If possible I try to avoid the use of such chemicals just because of the expense.

Doesn�t guarantee anything, just reduces the occurrence. Chances are the weevils go somewhere easier.

It also keeps the weeds down. But I only do this for the bigger, better, more expensive plants. Most of the small ones, I just let them take their chances.