Do boll weevils still exist in the USA?

Author: Angelo Spinka  |  Last update: Saturday, May 24, 2025

The program has been successful in eradicating boll weevils from all cotton-growing states with the exception of Texas, and most of this state is free of boll weevils. Problems along the southern border with Mexico have delayed eradication in the extreme southern portions of this state.

Are boll weevils still around?

Boll weevils still cling to around 20% of the cotton acres in the Lower Rio Grande Valley along the river. But 30 to 40 years ago, it was a major problem plaguing millions of acres spanning the Cotton Belt from California to the Carolinas.

Do farmers today still have to deal with the boll weevil?

Through our cooperative work with the States and cotton industry, we have eradicated boll weevils from 99.5% of the 16 million acres of the U.S. cotton crop. The pest can now only be found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

What region of the United States was most affected by the infestation of the boll weevil?

Boll Weevil Infestation of 1915: In 1915 and 1916, the boll weevil, a type of beetle that feeds on cotton buds and flowers, infested much of the cotton crops in the rural South. This infestation significantly reduced cotton production, as much as 70% in Alabama, and resulted in the loss of many cotton crops.

How did Georgia get rid of the boll weevil?

The eradication efforts were successful due to the intense trapping and pesticide treatments of fields. The Georgia Program went into post-eradication stage in 1994. The Georgia Boll Weevil Program is funded 100% by the Georgia cotton producers.

An Alabama town honors the boll weevil

What kills boll weevils?

To kill weevils for real, treat them with Ortho® Insect, Mite & Disease 3-in-1 or Ortho® BugClear™ Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes. Be sure to always follow the label directions.

Is it illegal to grow cotton in Georgia?

Rule 40.24. 1-. 13. (1) Non-commercial cotton shall not be planted without a permit approved by Board of Directors of the Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation of Georgia, Inc.

What eats boll weevils?

However, studies have shown that some ants, especially fire ants, were effective predators of boll weevils. A number of insects, spiders, birds and other animals ate adult boll weevils, but these predators only had a minor effect on infestations. Parasites also had little effect on boll weevil populations.

What bug was eradicated in 1978?

APHIS launched the Boll Weevil Eradication Program in 1978 in North Carolina and Virginia. We expanded the program to Alabama, Florida, and Georgia in 1988. This program eradicated this pest from more than 99 percent of U.S. cotton acreage.

Do boll weevils bite humans?

Most weevils are slender, oval-shaped beetles less than half an inch long and are recognizable by their elongated heads and snouts. These flying insects are attracted to light and can fly more than half a mile in search of food and lodging. They do not bite, sting or carry disease, which is good news for humans.

What is the lifespan of a boll weevil?

The complete life cycle of the boll weevil lasts approximately three weeks. Despite a short lifespan, their damage can be massive as one female is capable of laying up to 200 eggs.

Do boll weevils get in flour?

The female beetle deposits eggs into food or into crevices in food packages. The larvae hatch and make their way into the product to eat. Many people find these larvae in the flour and call them “weevils.” Hence, the name “flour weevils.”

How did people get rid of the boll weevil?

An eradication program started in the 1970s is coming close to driving the boll weevil out of the U.S. [3] By using a variety of strategies throughout the year, such as pheromone traps in the spring, hand picking of infected cotton buds during the growing season, plowing under the cotton stalks after harvest, and low ...

Will boll weevils make you sick?

I had kitchen pests, specifically grain weevils. Adults cringe when they find insects in their food; kids say "gross", "cool" or "may I eat one?" In truth, eating them will not harm you.

Is bin weevils still going?

Players obtained minimum levels to perform actions, purchase virtual goods, and play features. In January 2021, Bin Weevils was discontinued ending a 17 year run, after Adobe Flash Player was disabled on most web browsers on January 12, 2021.

What is the secret order of boll weevils?

The Secret Order of Boll Weevils was founded in 1966 as a secret society. The initial mission was to have mischievous fun with the Memphis Cotton Carnival elite, crash their parties, and make Memphis Cotton Carnival a little more colorful experience (much like real life boll weevils creating mayhem on cotton crops).

Are boll weevils still a problem?

Today the eradication of the boll weevil is considered one of the world's best examples of “integrated pest management,” which is the reduction of agricultural pests through means that are minimally damaging to the environment.

What is the only virus that has been completely eradicated in the world?

The last known natural case was in Somalia in 1977. In 1980 WHO declared smallpox eradicated – the only infectious disease to achieve this distinction. This remains among the most notable and profound public health successes in history.

Were bed bugs almost eradicated?

During the 18th Century, bed bugs made their way onto American soil via ships arriving from Europe. By the 20th Century, most Americans had seen and been bitten by bed bugs. However, with diligence and the use of pesticides, bed bugs had almost been eliminated.

Why is it called a boll weevil?

Boll weevils (named for the type of beetle which feeds on cotton buds) was an American political term used in the mid-to-late 20th century to describe conservative Democrats, particularly Southern Democrats.

How do you get rid of boll weevils naturally?

Cloves and bay leaves act as natural repellents to weevils. Place a few bay leaves in your dried food containers to ward off these pests, and position several cloves of garlic around your pantry and kitchen to deter these bugs from making a home in your pantry. White vinegar is also known to kill pesky pantry weevils.

Is it safe to eat beans with weevils?

Yes, they are definitely considered pests, but weevils in beans are not dangerous to humans.

Why can't you grow cotton in Texas?

In some states, like Texas, growing cotton is outright prohibited. In others, including Virginia and many Southeastern states, cultivation is restricted and requires permits. These regulations often aim to prevent the spread of pests, such as the boll weevil, which can devastate cotton crops.

What state grows the most cotton in the United States?

Among the U.S. States, Texas is the largest producer, contributing approximately 40 percent of U.S. cotton production in recent years. Other top cotton producers include Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

How much can you sell an acre of cotton for?

The latest USDA 2022 cotton cost-of-production forecast is $803.51 per acre. In October, USDA projected the season-average cotton farm price for the 2022-23 marketing year at 90 cents per pound. For example, 900 pounds per acre at 90 cents per pound equals $810 per acre.

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