Vine weevil larvae !!!!!!

Hi everyone, I've been digging my soil ready for planting stuff ( tomatoes, cucumbers etc) but I've come across quite a lot of weevil larvae. I've been putting them on the path and the crows and starlings have been having a feed. My question is, can I use something to kill the ones I've missed?? So far I've found in excess of 50 in the soil of my 8x6 greenhouse

 

No chemicals if you are growing edible crops in that soil, you would have to go for the Nematodes.

 

Thank you for the information Palustris, I've looked on line and I could only find stuff for using if I'm only growing non food crops, e.g. Flowers and shrubs etc

 

There aint much out there for the amatuer grower, meanwhile the farmers just pile it on year after year.
Never seems to make much sense to me but there you go, that's progress I assume.

I'd just get rid of those I find and keep a look out for adults during the summer months then give them the squash treatment when you find them.

 

I was just surprised by how many I've found in such a small area, I must have found between 75-100. The birds had a good feed mind you lol

 

A real pain, adults eat my hedges and the grubs love my rhubarb *sigh*

Phil

 

I've not planted anything yet!!! I've been preparing the soil in the greenhouse ready for plants. The soil was really well compacted so I've been breaking it up and I found lots of the little buggers

 

Is there any chance of temporarily borrowing some chickens from someone? (Avian 'flu permitting). A couple of hens would make short work of any nasties in the soil!

 

It's a good solution but I don't know anyone with chickens

 

I'd send you a couple, Spacemunkey, but don't think they'd be in much of a fit state on arrival

 

My mouse used to love a good vine weevil grub

 

The Nematodes are safe to use on edible crops. It is the chemical stuff which is not safe (for anything).
Out of interest what was growing in the soil when you started digging? The grubs need roots to feed on and would not survive without food.

 

There was just grass, it was a lawn

 

I could always eat them if they arrived in no fit state....mmmmm I like chicken lol

 

I won't tell the girls that!!