Vine weevils (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) are a major problem in horticulture because not only can a severe infestation can be quite devastating it is also extremely hard to protect plants against attack.

The adults are nearly all female and reproduce partheno-genically.  The presence of adult vine weevils can be determined by the removal of irregular notches from the margins of the leaves.

While the bites that they take from the leaves do very little harm it is the fact that they are present and may have laid their eggs by the roots of plants that gives major cause for concern.

If a plant suddenly dies and appears to have no roots, this is the work of the larvae.

Larvae attacking roots

Each weevil can lay hundreds of eggs. It is the grub stage of the vine weevil that is so destructive since they live off roots. The effect on the plant will depend on the size of the root system and the number of grubs eating it.

Initially growth will be slow, eventually the plant may begin to wilt and finally die as it no longer has sufficient roots to sustain it.

Impact/effects on chrysanthemums
Superficial damage to leaves but more importantly damage to root system of plants grown in containers.

Controls
Products containing imidacloprid or thiacloprid will give control over vine weevil grubs.