Biological control of figwort weevils

If the figwort weevil population gets too high, encourage natural predators like birds, frogs, toads, and ground beetles into the garden.

Frogs and toads can be encouraged into the garden by providing a pond or other still water feature where tadpoles can develop. Construct the pool so at least one side gradually slopes up to dry land. This allows young amphibians to leave the water in midsummer once the tadpole stage is over. Small amphibians can be heavily predated by birds, so grow plants around the pool to provide some cover.

Provide a place for frogs and toads to overwinter. Log piles are great shelters but frogs, toads and newts will also find suitable places in hedge bottoms, compost heaps, and under stones. They may aslo hibernate in the bottom of ponds. To avoid disturbing amphibians, especially in the hibernation period, ponds should not be cleaned out unless absolutely necessary.