Are they TICKS?!?!
Golfers and hikers in Northern Virginia might have spotted the tiny, snout‑nosed beetles lately—and be relieved to learn: they’re weevils, not ticks, and they don’t bite people or pets.
These are mile‑a‑minute weevils (Rhinoncomimus latipes), deliberately released by the Virginia Department of Forestry and VDACS to battle the invasive Mile‑a‑Minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata) in areas like Bull Run Mountains bugguide.net+1vof.org+1inaturalist.org+5vof.org+5vof.org+5. Since 2004, thousands have been released across Northern Virginia. They’re specialists—they feed only on this vine, laying eggs whose larvae bore into stems, stunting growth and preventing the plant from spreading en.wikipedia.org+2vof.org+2vof.org+2.
A few key highlights:
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Unlike yellow‑poplar weevils that appear in early summer, these rust-hued ones are harmless and helpful en.wikipedia.org+1vof.org+1vof.org.
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They pose no health risk—they do not bite or transmit disease.
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This eco‑friendly tactic follows integrated pest management principles, reducing the need for herbicides .
Interesting to know right?
