Just Vine Weevil Killer
Q. What is Just Vine Weevil Killer?
A. Just Vine Weevil Killer is a natural product containing microscopic worms (nematodes) which seek out and kill vine weevil larvae.
Q. Why use Just Vine Weevil Killer?
A. Just Vine Weevil Killer is an effective alternative to chemicals and is harmless to children, pets, birds and wildlife.
Q. When can I apply Just Vine Weevil Killer?
A. Just Vine Weevil Killer should be applied when the soil temperature is at a minimum of 5C (41F) and the vine weevil larvae are present. Outdoors, this is usually March - May in the Spring and Autumn to November in late Summer / Autumn. Indoors, vine weevil can be controlled year round. Always remember Just Vine Weevil Killer kills vine weevil larvae and not the adult beetle.
Q. Are any special conditions required?
A. Just Vine Weevil Killer should be applied to moist soil. If applying in hot weather it is better to wait until later in the day when the soil won't dry out so quickly and the nematodes will have a chance to migrate underground during the night.
Q. How often do I need to apply Just Vine Weevil Killer?
A. Vine weevils are widely distributed across the United Kingdom living in gardens and hedgerows. Therefore, it is difficult to completely eradicate the pest since adults may reinvade from outside your garden. If you have, what you think is a serious infestation, you should consider treating twice a year in Spring and in Autumn. If you are less concerned and just want to keep a minor problem at bay then one Autumn treatment should be adequate.
Q. Where should I apply Just Vine Weevil Killer?
A. Anywhere, indoors or outdoors, on to soil or compost that contains the larvae. It is now considered that total eradication is not practicable since vine weevils are established throughout the countryside. It is therefore best to work out the area that you need to treat, to protect those plants that you do not want to lose. Primulas, fushsias, begonias, most evergreen plants and all plants in pots are particulalry at risk.
Q. How do I apply Just Vine Weevil Killer?
A. Simply as a drench. All you need is a bucket, a stirrer, an ordinary garden watering can and water. The standard pack takes approximately 20 minutes to apply.
Q. How long can I keep Just Vine Weevil Killer?
A. Just Vine Weevil Killer will keep up to the expirt date, clearly marked on each sealed pack, when kept refrigerated. However, it is always best to use this living product as soon as possible after receipt.
Q. Can I use the pack a bit at a time?
A. Since the nematodes are not evenly distributed in the pack, you must use the whole pack in one application.
Q. Can I store Just Vine Weevil Killer once it is mixed with water?
A. No, always apply product immediately after mixing.
Q. What should I do with any surplus solution?
A. You cannot over apply Just Vine Weevil Killer but, if you have any over after applying at the correct rate, treat adjacent beds and pots.
Q. How long do the nematodes last ?
A. Just Vine Weevil Killer will kill larvae present in the area and protect against further larvae damage fro up to four weeks.
Q. Will the nematodes kill anything else?
A. Just Vine Weevil Killer contains naturally occurring nematodes which target vine weevil larvae. The nematodes will never become pests themselves.
Q. What do the vine weevil eggs look like?
A. Vine weevil eggs are white when laid, approximately 0.8mm in diameter and round. They rapidly turn brown as they mature. The eggs are often confused with slow release fertiliser pellets, such as ozmacote, when found in common compost mixes. The ozmacote pellets are 2mm in diameter, release liquid fertiliser when squashed and range in colour from yellow to dark brown.
Q. What can I do to control adult vine weevil?
A. Finding and destroying the adults is difficult in practical terms since they are nocturnal and play dead once disturbed. Methods of control include hand collection at night, setting out pieces of debris that the adults may find attractive as a hiding place during the day and some systemic insecticides.
Q. How much damage is caused to plants by the circular notches that the adult vine weevils make around the leaves?
A. The circular notches, whilst unsightly, are unlikely to kill the plants. However, they are a timely reminder that there is a vine weevil problem that will need to be dealt with when they are at the larvae stage.
Q. Can I use chemicals in conjunction with Biological control?
A. Generally speaking no. If you intend to use chemical control please contact Just Green at "Ask the Expert" on the home page, for specific advice.
Q. Can I water Just Vine Weevil Killer directly onto the plants?
A. Nematodes live in the soil so, if you can, it is better to apply to the soil. However, if because of dense foliage this is impossible, after application wash them off into the soil with some extra water.
Q. Can I eat produce that has been treated with Just Vine Weevil Killer?
A. Yes, just wash your fruit and vegetables in the normal way.
Q. Can I apply nematodes using a garden hose?
A. Yes, we recommend the handy feeder, which can be found in the Pest Control section under Bug Sprays or as an associated product to our nematode packs.
