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Help! Does anyone know what these white bugs are?
I collect Japanese acers and i lost 2 this year. When i removed the dead acer from its pot i found a number of white beetle like bugs in and around the roots. I have heard a rumor there's is a type of beetle that likes to feed on acer roots which eventually kills your tree. I removed the other acer that died and found no sign of the white bugs. Is there such a bug that can kill acers and does anyone know how to prevent them.
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I agree - vine weevil grubs. They are at the stage of turning from maggot-looking larvae into adult beetles. It's the larvae that do the damage (as you have found out) by eating the roots of a plant, and often the first you know about it is when the plant keels over..
There are drenches that can be applied to the soil/compost which can help. I have, in the past, spread compost out on a large tray and left it for the birds to feast on the grubs.
Its difficult to see them on picture but its highly likely vine weevil grubs white body brown head, they eat the roots of plants. Soak your pots in provado or bug killer suitable for vine weevil or nematodes.
The grubs would of grown into adults in the pot which had the dead acer.
Yes, vine weevil grubs which are just turning into adult beetles. You can just about see the white legs on the pupae - click the arrow to see the 2nd image at the bottom of this RHS page:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=234
Thanks guy. Will go out and buy something that can deal with these little beeps tomorrow!!!
Just found vine weevil grubs and an ants nest in a huge half barrel. I have emptied it out and removed all the plants and washed them.
Hopefully the birds will enjoy the feast of grubs. Question is, can I re-use the compost if I use Provado on it. Also can I re-plant the plants or is it best just to start again.