Enduring the Evil Root Weevil

Spring here in the Northwest would not be complete without our rhododendrons and azaleas. Like April heralds, they seem to wake up our sleepy winter gardens with signals of red, yellow, purple, and white. However, in the shadows of these very flowers lurks a curmudgeon.

 

The root weevil loves rhododendrons and azaleas, but not for their flowers. This hungry spoil sport loves the taste of these shrubs and can decimate a seemingly healthy plant very quickly. But there are many ways to prevent, control and eliminate root weevils from your garden

 

Root weevils have two life stages and both can be detrimental to your rhodys and azaleas. They start out in spring as larvae living in and around the roots of the plant. Through the summer, fall, and winter they grow and feed on the roots of the plant. A few root weevil larvae may have no effect on your plant, however too many can destroy the root system of a plant and leave it wilted and dead on the surface. 

 

In the spring, the larvae develop into long-snouted beetle-like adults. These adults love to feed on the leaves of the plant. Jagged notches on the outside margin of the leaves are a sure-fire sign reading “weevil was here.” They only feed at night so don’t expect to see them while you’re awake. If you are unsure, one way to find out if you have weevils is to spread a white sheet under your plant after dusk. Then shake the plant and see what falls out. These bugs don’t have any wings so they should stay on the sheet long enough for you to inspect for guilty culprits.

 

The absolute best way to make sure you do not get root weevils is to simply keep your plants healthy. Stressed plants seem to attract pests like a sponge.  Proper watering, fertilizing, and removing leaf litter go a long way. Also, removing any branches that may be touching the ground, providing access to the plant, will discourage weevils from setting up shop. 

 

However, if you already have this troublemaker in your garden there are a number of ways to let him know he’s not welcome. Beneficial nematodes are a great biological control against the weevil larvae and they won’t harm you or any of the other beneficial bugs in your garden. Adult weevils can be controlled using a systemic insecticide such as Bonide’s Systemic Insect Control or Ortho’s Systemic Insect Killer. When using these insecticides it is important to get started as soon as you see activity in the spring and continue the regiment through September. Most weevils start chomping in April, but their peak feeding times aren’t until August. 

 

After a long winter, nothing can put the “spring” back in your step like rhodys and azaleas. Don’t let a mulish old weevil spoil your springtime color. Come to Al’s and find out how to take your garden back.