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Weevils???????
plumms
Posts: 2
Hi, over the last few months I've found some of my plants, I have a container garden, literally rootless and therefore dying. When I've emptied the pot I've found some grubs in the soil like small maggots, see photo. 
Does anyone know what they are and if it's these grubs that are eating the roots of my plants? I've lost several heucheras this year and now the cyclamens. I'd be grateful for any info anyone can give me. Many thanks.
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Posts
They are Vine Weevil grubs put them out for the birds, they love them
this is what I’ve been doing all morning, going through my Begonia corms, they tuck in around the top and burrow in underneath..
Last edited: 30 October 2017 14:25:12
They love Heucheras unfortunately - especially when they're in pots.
If you clean everything off the roots, and repot in fresh soil/compost, Heucheras will most likely come away again, as they root very easily. If you have any left, try that. You might need to remove excess foliage to make it easier for them, and keep them well enough watered till new growth appears.
You can also use Provado Vine Weevil killer which you apply as a liquid drench. Many people find it effective for controlling them in pots.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
You don’t need to use chemicals to get rid of vine weevil grubs, there are nematodes especially for these pests. They do work very well and much safer.
Thank you for all your help. Lyn, what are nematodes? I don't really have the time to sift through all my containers, I have lots! I have rescued some of my heucheras and repotted so hopefully they'll survive. There are little round balls in the soil also, like water retaining pellets, are these the eggs?
Good advice above, to answer the question -Nematodes are naturally occurring microscopic worms that are predators on larger creatures. They work either directly when they infect & reproduce in the pest they kill it directly or in some cases they carry bacterial infections which kill the pest. You have to buy a specific one for the pest so one for slugs will only work on slugs likewise vine weevil. They are a lve biological product suspended in an inert carrier. When you buy them you must use them as soon as possible, you will need to act quickly as they only "work" above +5 C. Get them from Just Green, the organic garden catalogue, or simply seeds. There are many other outlets but they all come from one of two sources by mail order even if you go to a garden centre. Prices can vary quite a bit even though its the same product!
Whenever I come across vineweevil I dunk the entire plant in soapy water swish it abut to Rove compost from the roots etc . Go over it with a fine tooth comb then deal with the pot using one of the two ways suggested .
https://www.nematodesdirect.co.uk/8-vine-weevil-killer-nematodes?gclid=Cj0KCQjwvuDPBRDnARIsAGhuAmbXM-NSF2E3TS6LBM28rHZySR6vEVAJKCaXht5PxaIXqcF0zLYelgkaAqr5EALw_wcB
The price varies but not a lot, you may find free postage on amazon or eBay you need to look around.
you don’t need a lot watered in so they are good value for money, now is a perfect time to do it.