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Alfalfa Weevil Control in Alfalfa

Joanne Whalen (February, 2006)

Summary

The alfalfa weevil (AW) overwinters in both the adult and egg stages. Although egg laying occurs in the fall and spring, larvae hatching from spring-laid eggs cause the most damage. Eggs are laid in the alfalfa stem any time temperatures are above 48 degrees F. Warm fall and winter temperatures can result in economic populations as early as late March. Alfalfa weevils generally have one generation per year. This fact sheet explores levels of damage, methods of identifying the problem, and controls.