The pecan nutmeat has been eaten by a pecan weevil. The pecan weevil is a brown, 3/8-inch beetle with an extended snout. The weevil emerges from the soil late in the season (August-early September, zones 6 & 7), about when the nut kernels harden. The female uses her long snout to chew a hole in the shell and deposits her eggs in the nuts. The small white grub that hatches feeds inside the shell during the fall until it reaches about 3/5-inch long, at which time it bores out of the nut and drops to the ground.
Timing of control measures is critical. Insecticide sprays are directed at killing the adult female before she lays her eggs. Once the eggs have been deposited in the nut, they are safe from insecticides. Monitor pecan trees for adult weevils in mid- to late-August and when three or more weevils are present, start your spray program. Contact your local Extension office for insecticide recommendations.
