Eggs hatch in 3 to 5 days depending on temperature. Larvae bore into pepper pods and feed for about 10 days. At this time, full-grown larvae construct cells of frass within peppers and pupate. Four to 6 days later, a new generation of beetles emerges. The chamce of an infestation in North Carolina pepper fields is greatly reduced by avoiding pepper plants grown in areas where the pepper weevil is a problem.
Plants grown in Georgia or locally grown plants are preferred.
Rigid sanitation and spray programs in Florida pepper beds and inspection and certification by regulatory agencies are helpful in preventing weevils from entering North Carolina. However, growers should demand that pepper transplants be free of weevils and relatively free of blossoms and pepper pods. Thorough inspection of pods for deformaties or the presence of aborted fruit could indicate the presence of weevils. For use on bell pepper. Avoid bringing in plants with fruit from Florida.