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what is this pest and how do I deal with it?

adamadamantadamadamant Posts: 278
in Problem solving
My euonymous hedge has for the last two or three years been eaten as in the photo, and the damage this year has spread to nearby roses and privet.  I did spray once with some sort of bugclear spray, but evidently this wasnt enough   Can anyone identify what the pest might be by the bites in the leaves, and what could I possibly do to minimise the problem?  Thank you

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Adult vine weevils have been eating the leaves. Unsightly, but the grubs for more damage as they eat the roots. 
    I’ve found the nematodes effective if applied according to the instructions. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Agree with @Dovefromabove - the notches are unsightly but it is usually the grubs burrowing into the roots which cause the most serious damage.  Usually it is pot grown plants which suffer from the grubs and a good layer of sharp grit makes it more difficult for the adults to lay their eggs.
  • adamadamantadamadamant Posts: 278
    Thank you both.  Oh dear!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You may find if you cut them back it'll improve things - for a while at least. However, once you have them - it can be difficult to get rid of them.
    I'm afraid I find the nematodes a bit useless because of the timing, so I have to resort to the chemical solution.  :/
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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