[allstars_princess]

Hello,

I planted up a strawberry tower today with the runners that have been sitting in a large wooden barrel since the end of the season last year.  When I took the individual plants out the soil around their roots was full of (I think) chafer grub larvae.  There was literally around a 100 or so in total. 

My questions are: where would these have come from?  and Is it not too early?  If so what else could they be?  I squashed as many as possible and let the chickens at the rest.  How can I get rid of any others?

I will get some Nematode stuff but don't want to waste money if anyone has a better idea or method of removal. 

They were about 1cm long with white bodies and brown heads in a C shape. 

Thanks. 

[mumofstig]

was it one of these
chafer grub pic

[allstars_princess]

Hello,

I think so.  I cannot remember if it had legs or not though so I am not sure if it is a vine weevil larvae or chafer grub larvae!   I am only thinking chafer more than vine as my husband was only just commenting that the lawn was looking awful this spring. 

The nemasys stuff is expensive so I do not want to buy the wrong one or have to do both.  Is there any way of knowing without having one to hand - other more old fashioned signs to look out for?

I should have looked more seriously.   

[savbo]

vine weevil larvae are smaller than chafers would be this time of year? about 5mm while chafers would be 15-20mm?

[cob nut]

I think it could be Vine weevil grubs as I know they just love to feast on strawberry plant roots especially those in pots/tubs.

[allstars_princess]

Thanks.  I will try Vine Weevil eradication (such a horrible word!) first. 

[Salmo]

I think that you need to identify what the grubs are before you spend money.

If there are hundreds I suspect that they are vine weevils. The grubs are white and C shaped about 5mm long. They have no legs.

Chafers are big beefy grubs and have legs.

This might be helpful.
http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/vineweevil.htm

Vine weevil nematodes will only attack vine weevils. Systemic vine weevil insectacides will probably kill chafer grubs as the same chemicals are used in other systemic products such as Provado Ultimate bug killer. Always follow the instructions for the product, especially the interval needed between application and harvest. These chemicals will stay in the plant for six weeks.