Question
QUESTION: I came across some info in a book that said Black Vine Weevils can cause major damage to the rhizomes of Sarracenia.  I live in the southern Willamette Valley and we see these around other plantings and rhododendrons making me concerned about my Sarracenias.  

Since you are in Oregon as well have you noticed damage from this pest and if so how have you dealt with controlling it?  Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Doug,

I've never found these to be a problem in the Northern Willamette valley.  They may not enjoy living in the wet peat of Sarracenia media.  If you had to treat for them my first choice would be Acephate since your not going to see the damage immediately.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Good to hear you haven't had problems with them.  I try to not use chemicals on my plants since I keep bees on the property.  Would submerging the plants up just above the rhizome in rain water (shaded and on one of our cool Fall days)for 24-48 hours possible drowned these and other larvae in the soil?  Would this cause any rhizome rot even if kept cold and done just once?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Doug,

There's a good chance the submersion would work.  The plants these normally attack are not semi-aquatics like Sarracenia.  The Pacific Northwest Insect Management handbook also has other good information on dealing with these.  Here's a link: http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/hort/nursery/common/nursery-crop-pests-weevil  They also give recommendations for biological control.  Predatory nematodes sound like a go-to for these in container stock.  Are you actually finding the grubs in your Sarracenia pots, or rhizome damage?

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com