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Strawberry Root Weevils
Several species of beetles which are pests of cultivated and wild plants move into homes and other buildings at the end of the summer. One of the most common of these is the strawberry root weevil. This insect is primarily a nuisance pest and does not harm food, clothing or household furnishings.
DESCRIPTION
Strawberry root weevils are snout beetles. The beak, which bears the mouthparts at its tip, is a common characteristic of all weevils. However, for this particular species, the beak or snout is shorter than usual. Adult weevils are brownish-black and approximately 1/4 inch long with hard-shelled bodies and rows of small pits on the wing covers. Small scattered patches of yellow or white hairs may also be apparent on the wing covers.
LIFE HISTORY AND HABITS
Adult root weevils attack a variety of plants. Females lay eggs near the crowns in early summer and newly hatched larvae burrow into the soil and feed on the roots. The weevils spend the winter as mature larvae in the soil and pupate in the spring. A small percentage of weevils overwinter as pupae or adults. There is usually one generation per year. Adults are a nuisance in and around homes in late summer and early fall as they seek overwintering sites. They will often move indoors if their food source becomes scarce or is close to human habitation. None of these weevils fly; their only means of entry is by crawling. Once indoors, they may be found crawling over the floors, up walls, in bathtubs, sinks and cupboards, and on ceilings.
CONTROL MEASURES
Because strawberry root weevils originate outdoors, control procedures which prevent indoor infestations should be implemented. Eliminating potential entry ways into the home with weather stripping or caulk may be effective. Cracks around windows, doorsills and vents should be sealed. Tight fitting screens and doors will reduce the number of weevils crawling into the home. Removal of wild strawberries, brambles and other host plants may also reduce infestations.
Treating the outside of the home with residual insecticide sprays will also help control strawberry root weevils. Sprays of carbaryl (Sevin), diazinon, malathion, and chlorpyrifos (Dursban) to the sides of the house, around the foundation, basement windows, and doorways and other points of entry should be applied at the first sign of weevil activity and repeated every three weeks if weevils persist. All label directions should be read and carefully followed.
Chemical treatment inside the home is not practical or very effective due to the scattered presence of weevils. Individual adults may be collected with a vacuum cleaner.
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