Avoid setting a strawberry field next to large grassy fields that could be a source of these beetles and their larvae. Several formulations are on the market. Once this kind of bacteria is established in the soil, grub control is perennial and effective. An insecticide labelled for grub control can be banded over the row to reduce the amount and cost of insecticide treatment. The larvae of root weevils feed on strawberry roots and crowns, which can weaken, stunt, or kill plants.
Root systems weakened by weevils are then more susceptible to winter injury and disease infection.
Infested plants can have leaves that turn red, and berries that are undersized. Infestations are generally in patches in the field. Damage is worse when plants are under stress such as during droughty periods. Although the adult weevils chew notches from the edges of leaves, their feeding usually causes no economic losses. They have a promiment blunt snout and elbowed antennae on the snout.