Weevil Repellent

Adult weevils feed at night.

Weevils can be serious garden pests, destroying vegetable and flower crops. Inconspicuous in the soil, they often remain undetected until after damage has already been done to plants. Timely application of a repellent may help ensure protection of plants against weevils.

Significance

Adult weevils damage plants by chewing on their leaves. Their larvae chew on the root surface of plants. Finding an effective weevil repellent is important to prevent damage to plants.

Identification

Weevils are black, brown or gray with an elongated body and antennae. The larvae can be white or green and live in the soil. Adult weevils are approximately 1/8 inch long.

Types

Application of insecticides to leaves will help control adult weevils. Insecticides effective in controlling weevils include esfenvalerate, chlorpyrifos and cyfluthrin. These products should not be applied during plant harvesting times. Parasitic nematodes can be effective in controlling the larvae of weevils. Insecticides containing DEET have been effective in repelling weevils in sunflowers.

References

• Agriculture and University Extension: Sunflower Seed Weevil Management
• Kansas State University Entomology: Red Sunflower Seed Weevil
• UC IPM Online: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes
• National Agricultural Statistics Service: Trade Name, Common Name, and Pesticide Class

Resources

• University of Minnesota Extension: Weevils in the Home