cant you just put a soft mesh over the soil around the plant?

that wont deter their ovipositors! Gravel as a mulch or very gritty soil tends to dissuade them but they will lay if they have too. I don't know of any plants that deter them but soil based composts are better than peat based ones.

Hi, I think the only plants that won't be affected by them are plastic ones, lol, Derek.

I'm with Seaburngirl. Year's ago, vine weevil were almost unheard of when most gardeners used John Innes soil based composts or mixed their own from sifted soil. It was only when we started to use peat based composts that the weevil proliferated.

thanks for this.
I am using two wooden barrels, only one is affected. I'm wondering if they can get into the nooks and crannies of the inside of the barrel then I've no hope of getting them out.
I'll consider replacing the compost.
Now I know why my Mum likes plastic plants!