Contaminated Soil

[crazy_red]

Hi folks!

If you have had vine weevil in a pot, should you dispose of the soil (i.e. to the local dump) or is it safe to put it on the garden / in the compost heap?

I hate waste but I don't want to create problems in my raised beds.

Also, is there a treatment for vine weevil if it does get in your beds /open soil?


Thanks,

Red

[Nicos]

You could heat the soil in the oven/microwave to kill off any traces of them.(( will kill off any other pests as well as good 'wildlife')
You can but nematodes which will target Vine weevil...
here you go...

Thompson & Morgan

( you can buy it from many retailers too)

[Capsid]

If you spread the compost over the garden, the vine weevils should quickly be discovered by birds. Just watch a blackbird scour your garden, they are looking under leaves and stones for just such a tasty snack.

[vicky]

Not sure if I'd put the soil in a raised bed - simply speaking it's just a big pot. I've always spread weevily soil over the garden but have been told off for doing this by a friend who runs a nursery... Could you put the soil on a plastic sheet for a day to let the birds feast on any lurkers? Put down some birdfood too and they should sort out the soil

[rustylady]

Don't have a huge probem with vine weevils. Squash any adults that I spot. If you empty a pot and find vine weevil larvae then I would suggest microwaving them, or tipping the compost onto an open border where the birds will quickly deal with them.

[allotmentlady]

Hmmmm......I had this problem earlier this year. I disposed of soil at the local council recycling centre and cleaned pot with ***** fluid and after a good rinse, repotted plant, after checking roots. I now use nematodes, swear by them, and have had no probs. I also use nematodes when its spud time, hardly saw any slugs this year!!