Eradicating Weevils & Beetles from Agave

The agave snout weevil destroys the plant.

The agave snout weevil and the offspring it produces are capable of terrorizing gardeners and decimating any agave cactus the weevil infests. A variety of pesticide techniques, however, can be utilized to eradicate this pest.

The Problem

Control of the agave snout weevil is problematic, especially in areas where infestation has occurred previously. Some varieties of agave cacti, such as the Americana or Century, are more susceptible to the pest. According to The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, however, "Chemical prevention using a broad-spectrum insecticide applied in spring is often effective in reducing damage."

Theories & Speculation

Agave gardeners often alternate between two or more varieties of pesticide to prevent weevils from developing a tolerance to the spray or granules. According to The Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society, "Some believe that weevils don't normally attack young Agaves, and usually only go after mature plants that are ready to 'bolt' (send up a flowering stalk)."

Prevention & Solution

Insecticide for weevils and beetles on agave is utilized by some gardeners immediately upon introduction of a new plant into their landscape. Others attempt to avoid the implementation of insecticide through careful scrutiny of plants and by using only "bare-root specimens," which are plants devoid of dirt or soil bags on the roots, making for an easy determination that no weevils are lurking on the agave.

References

• The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Problems and Pests of Agave, Aloe, Cactus and Yucca
• The Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society: Treating Agaves to Prevent Agave Snout Weevil Infestation