The different species will differ slightly in size and color. These grubs can be distinguished from other soil grubs because they are smaller and legless with a lighter colored head. Root weevils overwinter in the soil as grubs that pupate in the spring. Adult beetles emerge in late May through June, feed at night on foliage leaving characteristic leaf notching, and hide during the day. The eggs hatch in late summer or early fall and the grubs start feeding on the roots.
Most damage is caused by grubs after resuming feeding in the spring.
To prevent spread of root weevils to new beds, plow under old beds as soon as possible. Post harvest foliar sprays to control adult weevils prior to egg laying is recommended at renovation. Growers should watch for leaf notching as an indication of adult emergence. The meadow spittlebug is an annoying pest on strawberries that can stunt plants and reduce berry size. More important to some producers, particularly u-pick growers, is the annoyance that spittle masses cause pickers.