Pepper weevils are reaching high populations across the South Florida region, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline.
Weevils are present at moderate to high populations in Southwest Florida. Infestations are reported to be very high in some locations.
Populations have increased dramatically across Palm Beach, Martin and Indian River counties along the east coast, reach high levels in multiple fields.
Pepper weevils are high most of the pepper fields in Miami-Dade County.
Adult pepper weevils will feed on leaves but cause no significant damage. But once blossom buds and immature fruit start to form on peppers, adult and larval feeding can destroy both blossoms and fruit and force fruit and bud drop.
Fruit drop is the most obvious sign of infestation. Estimates of adult populations are best attained by observation and yellow sticky traps.
Insecticides need to be applied to the foliage at short intervals once buds begin to form. They vary in effectiveness, and even in the presence of chemical insecticides, some loss will occur.
Consult UF/IFAS recommendations in the Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida for currently labeled insecticides for pepper weevil control in Florida.