Grubs hatch out to feed on the kernels for several weeks. Traps are available commercially that can be used by the homeowner to reduce numbers of adult weevils. It feeds in the immature pecan, which often falls to the ground early. Once the shells have hardened, the hickory shuckworm feeds in the shuck, which causes the shuck to stick to the nut. There are a few things that homeowners can do to decrease insect problems on pecan trees.
Proper sanitation can reduce insect pests significantly.
This includes removing and destroying leaves after they fall in the autumn and quickly removing and destroying dead, diseased and damaged wood and nuts. The leaves, wood and nuts can provide pests with places to survive the winter. Adequate insect control on pecans usually requires spraying trees. Sprays need to be timed accurately to be effective. Tree size may require spraying equipment that the homeowner does not have available.