Black Vine Weevils
The Otiorhynchus sulcatus, or black vine weevil, is present in much of the Northern United States and is found throughout the state of Ohio. Approximately 3/8-inch in length, black vine weevils are ovoid in shape and are covered with tiny hairs. They range from brown to gray in color and possess short snouts. The antennae of these weevils feature elbows and their wings bear small pits.
Black vine weevils are known to attack various plants, trees, shrubs and herbs. Adults feed on leaves and stems of plants, while larvae feed on fine and main roots. The feeding behavior of black vine weevil larvae causes more damage to affected plants than that of adults.
Black vine weevils can be challenging to control. There are very few natural predators of this weevil species. They are also nocturnal in nature and tend to dwell in subterranean environments. Specialized chemical sprays may be injected into the soil to reach these pests. Pesticides may be sprayed upon the leaves of infected plants in order to address adult specimens. Proper control of soil moisture can also help to prevent these pests from thriving.
