Vine Weevil

[suequiz]

I have quite a problem with vine weevils. Does anyone know how long one has to leave compost that had grubs in before they die off if they have no food - i.e. roots to eat? Since quite large amounts of compost are involved I don't really want to just dispose of it all. I know about nematodes and Provado etc.
Thanks, Sue

[alavahalf]

The weevils feast on certain roots, lay their eggs and when the colder weather arrives they just burrow a bit deeper and hibernate. when things start to get a little warmer the cycle will start again.
One sure way of clearing them quickly is to fence the area off, and let some chickens loose ... they love them and will strip the compost of weevils very quickly.

[Chipchopper]

Alavahalf's advice looks sound to me but I wondered about any eggs that might remain.
Running a wallpaper steamer through the compost afterwards may make doubly sure of getting all the pests.