Garden weevil (Phlyctinus callosus) for Australian conditions:
(Phlyctinus callosus, also known as the banded fruit weevil)
Southern Australia: Especially in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and parts of NSW.
Affects both commercial horticulture and home gardens.
Grapes, apples, peaches, plums
Strawberries
Beans, broad beans
Roses, ornamentals
Some native plants, though usually less affected
Notched leaf edges from adult feeding.
Cosmetic fruit damage (e.g., on grapes and strawberries) — a big concern for growers.
Root damage from larvae in potted plants and soft-soil gardens, causing wilting or stunted growth.
Remove mulch and plant litter near trunks to reduce hiding spots.
Weed control: Especially around vine rows or fruit trees.
Cultivate soil in late spring to disturb larvae and pupae.
Sticky trunk bands: Especially useful on young fruit trees and grapevines.
Night inspections with a torch: Hand-pick weevils off plants.
Barrier pastes (like insect glue) on trunks/pots to stop climbing adults.
Entomopathogenic nematodes (e.g., Heterorhabditis bacteriophora):
Apply to moist soil in late spring or early summer when larvae are active.
Available from biological control suppliers in Australia (e.g., Bugs for Bugs, Bioworks).
Evening foliar sprays: Adults are nocturnal, so treat late in the day.
Registered actives may include:
Spinosad
Synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., bifenthrin)
Be careful around edible crops — check APVMA labels or use products specifically registered for fruit and vegetables.
✅ Always check labels for use on food crops and follow withholding periods.
Lay cardboard or hessian sacks around plant bases during the day — adults hide underneath.
Use pitfall traps or shake plants early morning to check for adult presence.
| Phlyctinus callosus |
Garden weevil (Phlyctinus callosus) for Australian conditions:
(Phlyctinus callosus, also known as the banded fruit weevil)
Southern Australia: Especially in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and parts of NSW.
Affects both commercial horticulture and home gardens.
Grapes, apples, peaches, plums
Strawberries
Beans, broad beans
Roses, ornamentals
Some native plants, though usually less affected
Notched leaf edges from adult feeding.
Cosmetic fruit damage (e.g., on grapes and strawberries) — a big concern for growers.
Root damage from larvae in potted plants and soft-soil gardens, causing wilting or stunted growth.
Remove mulch and plant litter near trunks to reduce hiding spots.
Weed control: Especially around vine rows or fruit trees.
Cultivate soil in late spring to disturb larvae and pupae.
Sticky trunk bands: Especially useful on young fruit trees and grapevines.
Night inspections with a torch: Hand-pick weevils off plants.
Barrier pastes (like insect glue) on trunks/pots to stop climbing adults.
Entomopathogenic nematodes (e.g., Heterorhabditis bacteriophora):
Apply to moist soil in late spring or early summer when larvae are active.
Available from biological control suppliers in Australia (e.g., Bugs for Bugs, Bioworks).
Evening foliar sprays: Adults are nocturnal, so treat late in the day.
Registered actives may include:
Spinosad
Synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., bifenthrin)
Be careful around edible crops — check APVMA labels or use products specifically registered for fruit and vegetables.
✅ Always check labels for use on food crops and follow withholding periods.
Lay cardboard or hessian sacks around plant bases during the day — adults hide underneath.
Use pitfall traps or shake plants early morning to check for adult presence.
