Puncturevine Weevils

Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris), also called Goathead, Texas sandbur, or Jamaica feverplant, can be eradicated by weed killers (See Nature's Avenger, Matratec), but if you have a major infestation in a large area, herbicides are an intensive, expensive option. For treatment of a large area, Puncturevine weevils, available July 1 to September 30th each year, will control this noxious weed. Since the Puncturevine is hardiest in warmer climates, the weevils may overwinter, giving you a head start on the plant next year.

How They Work
Puncturevine weevils (Microlarinus lareynii and Microlarinus lypriformis) are nature's answer to Puncturevine control. There are two types of weevils mixed in each shipment. The first is an adult seed weevil. The female deposits eggs in the green seed bur and seals them in. The insects hatch and burrow into the green seeds. As they develop, they eat the seed so it cannot sprout. The other weevil is the stem weevil, which eats the stem of Puncturevine, keeping it from growing or spreading. Each female adult weevil will lay 200-500 eggs, depending on temperature and Puncturevine availability. (The more they have to eat, the more they reproduce.) The entire life cycle is 18-30 days and will continue until cool weather causes the weevils to go dormant. Each unit contains approximately 250 weevils.

When to Release/Apply
The best time to apply Puncturevine weevils is as soon as possible after the green seed burs have formed. This will give you several generations of weevils to multiply before the weather turns cold and the weevils go dormant. After the Puncturevine weevils are in place, do not disc or disturb the plants or apply herbicide. This will destroy their food and they will die. They are host specific and will not eat other plants or weeds. Be patient! The Puncturevine weevil is a long-term solution, and it may take two years to see Puncturevine greatly reduced in your fields. Once established, the weevils will control the Puncturevine – a few old seeds may grow, but the new plants will not make viable seeds nor will the plants spread rapidly.

Usage Rate: 1-2 units, depending on amount of infestation, per acre. Repeated applications may be necessary year to year, depending on the severity of the winter.

Price includes overnight shipping. Orders placed by Wednesday will ship the follwing Wednesday.