Privet is not attacked by pests as often as some other plants. However, there are some animals that can plague the privet. This includes the black weevil. Here you can find out how to recognize an infestation and treat it correctly.
How do I recognize and control black weevils on privet?
You can recognize thick-mouthed weevils on privet by their eating of leaves and massive loss of roots. Treat the infestation with nematodes, which eat the pest's larvae. To prevent this, regularly check plants for beetle infestation and set up traps.
How do I recognize pests like the black weevil on privet?
If the privet is attacked by the black weevil, this first manifests itself in the form ofbay damageand then through massiveroot loss The beetle itself eats the leaves of the privet. It eats indentations into the leaves from the edge of the leaf. This is why it is called bay feeding. The actual damage is caused by the larvae of the pest. The weevil deposits these in the soil. There it feeds on the roots of the privet. A massive infestation therefore leads to the death of the privet.
How do I treat a privet tree infested with weevils?
It is best to useNematodes to treat a privet tree infested with black weevils. These are small nematodes that are among the natural predators of the larvae of the black weevil. The nematode searches for the larvae in the soil and eats them. When there are no more larvae, the nematodes disappear again. Using these animals provides you with an ecological and completely harmless control measure that does not release any harmful substances.
How do I apply nematodes against privet pests?
You should add somewater to the nematodesand then distributeon the affected area You can buy the nematodes alive from gardening stores. When adding water and releasing the nematodes, follow the instructions on the package you purchased. The gardening store also offers you special traps (€16.00 on Amazon) with which you can catch the adult beetles. Since the black weevil is nocturnal, you can empty the traps in the morning when the animals have retreated into them.
How can I prevent a black weevil infestation on privet?
Check plants occasionally for infestation withbeetlesandinspect newly acquired plants for pests. You have two options for this. In addition to the leaves, you should also look at the soil under plants such as privet so that you can identify the black weevil and other pests early. On the other hand, you can set up self-made traps for the nocturnal animals:
- Fill flower pots with some hay or wood shavings.
- Place under the privet as a refuge for nocturnal pests.
- Check traps for black weevils in the morning.
Tip
Get advice from specialist retailers
Most of the time you don't have to worry about your privet if it has been attacked by black weevils. The popular hedge plant is also comparatively resistant here. However, early control is not a mistake. Ultimately, this will prevent the pests from attacking more sensitive plants in the area. Garden retailers offer you the right tips and resources.
