Weevils Control Products

Weevil Description

Depending on the species, the size of weevils varies from about 3 to 11 mm long. Their bodies have an elongated shape or can be almost oval in shape. Their heads protrude out into a snout shape with mandibles for feeding at the end. The color will also vary widely depending on the species of weevil. They can range from almost all colors. Some species will have a uniform color whereas others will have a significant design or pattern on their shells. Please continue to read for more information on how to get rid of weevils.

How to Get rid of Weevils: Weevil Identification

There are several common weevil species that will invade your home. In the United States, there are several different representative species. Because there are so many species of weevils, it is important to be able to identify the species before thinking about how to get rid of weevils. By identifying the species, a homeowner can better adjust the control method according to where they are infesting and how they are invading your home.

• Asiatic Oak Weevil:: Adult weevil bugs of this species are about ¼ of an inch long that have elongated bodies. Their snouts are short, broad, and distinctly wider. They are a brownish black color and their shells are heavily covered with grayish to green scales. They will feed on woody plants which include oaks, beech trees, hickory, tuliptrees, sycamore, dogwood, black locust, and others. They are usually found in the eastern region of the United States but can go as far as Kansas. They are also commonly found in California.
• Black Vine Weevil: Adult black vine weevil bugs are about 8 to 11 mm long and are dark brown to black in color. They feed on a variety of plants which include strawberries, cranberries, grapes, rhododendron, hemlock, and yew. They can be found all throughout the United States, except for in the Southeast region.
• Egyptian Alfalfa Weevil: Egyptian alfalfa weevil bugs grow to be about 5 mm long and are grayish brown to almost all black in color. They receive their names because their nativity is thought to be from Egypt. Also, their main source of food is the alfalfa plant. They are commonly found in Arizona and California.
• Imported Long-horned Weevil: Adult weevil bugs of this species can grow to be about 4 to 4 ½ mm long with an elongated oval shape. Their bodies are dark brown to a black color and are covered in gray to grayish green scales. Sometimes though, they are a light brown color with reddish-brown appendages. They feed on red clover, alfalfa, and can be a general woodland feeder. They are the most commonly found in the northern half of the United States and as far west as Kansas.
• Strawberry Root Weevil: Strawberry root weevils grow to be about 4 to 6 mm long. They are dark brown to a black color with reddish appendages. However, because their ridges and the round punctures that appear as rows in the body have yellow hairs, they have a greenish-yellow appearance. They feed on strawberries, pines, yews, and many other plants. Strawberry root weevils can be found throughout most of the United States and Canada.
• Tuliptree Weevil: Adults are about 3 to 4 mm long and have a broadly oval snout that is long and slender. They are usually black in color but can be blackish brown. They have reddish-brown appendages that get lighter towards the end. They feed on sassafras plants and tuliptree plants. They are usually found on the east of the Mississippi but can also be found in the states Arkansas and Missouri.

Weevil Behavior

Since the larvae of weevil bugs burrow underground and remain they reach maturity, they are rarely seen. Also, adult weevils are nocturnal and since most of their activity is done during the night, they are also not often spotted. They will remain hidden on the plant that they are infesting or in leaf litter and soil during the daytime. If the plant is disturbed, they can be noticed dropping to the soil and scurrying off into the litter or debris around the plant. Most gardeners will notice the presence of adult weevils by the plant aesthetics. The tips of the leaves will seem chewed off and the surface looks spotted.

All species of weevils will enter structures when outdoor conditions have been too adverse or unfavorable. Usually, it will be towards the end of the season when plants die off.

How to Get Rid of Weevils

The key to proper removal is identification. Because different species of weevil bugs will attack or infest different plants or locations around your home, it is the most important to identify the weevil before control methods are applied. Also, exclusion is an important method to get rid of weevils in your house. Exclusion will involve sealing cracks and crevices around the structure. Screens to windows and doors should be tight fitted and in good condition. Exclusion methods should be applied either before or after they enter the home.

Treatment to outdoor ornamental gardens with an appropriately labeled pesticide will also discourage infestation. Use appropriately labeled insecticides when notching of plant leaves first begin to appear. This is usually going to be in late June to early July. For indoor control, apply an appropriately labeled insecticide in areas like the attic, wall void, near the baseboard area, window sills, door frames, and etc. Keep in mind that all product labels must be thoroughly reviewed before any applications and treated areas must be left alone to dry before you can come in contact with those areas again.

For more information on how to get rid of weevils, please feel free to call us at 1-800-788-4142.