Are these maggots?

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by Aaron Johnston, Jun 9, 2022.

  1. Aaron Johnston

    Aaron Johnston Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    May 28, 2022
    Messages:
    15
    Gender:
    Male
    Ratings:
    +11
    I was transplanting some things in the raised bed today. As I was moving the surface layer of compost to dig into the top soil I dug up some of these. Anyone know what they are?

    IMG_20220609_165749.jpg
     
    Aaron Johnston, Jun 9, 2022
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  2. Michael Hewett

    Michael Hewett Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2016
    Messages:
    5,557
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Hilly Carmarthenshire, South West Wales
    Ratings:
    +21,013
    There are such things as root maggots and I think there are different species which like different plants, but that's all I know sorry ...
     
    • Like Like x 1
      Michael Hewett, Jun 9, 2022
      #2 Quote in Conversation
    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

      Joined:
      Jun 3, 2008
      Messages:
      33,058
      Gender:
      Male
      Location:
      Surrey
      Ratings:
      +51,739
      I can't really see them, are they moving about? If they are hard and still they are pupae and will emerge as flies most likely.
       
      • Like Like x 1
        JWK, Jun 9, 2022
        #3 Quote in Conversation
      • Aaron Johnston

        Aaron Johnston Apprentice Gardener

        Joined:
        May 28, 2022
        Messages:
        15
        Gender:
        Male
        Ratings:
        +11
        They were hard and not moving at all. So shouldn't be an issue?
         
        Aaron Johnston, Jun 9, 2022
        #4 Quote in Conversation
      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

        Joined:
        Jun 3, 2008
        Messages:
        33,058
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Surrey
        Ratings:
        +51,739
        It depends what you are growing. Personally I wouldn't worry about a small number of fly pupae or even if they were maggots. It does indicate they are living on something within the soil though and you know that some flies like rotting flesh or worse. If you are growing an edible crop I would reconsider. For an ornamental planting I would go ahead, lets face it soil is full of all sorts of bugs, many are tiny and most are beneficial.
         
        • Like Like x 1
          JWK, Jun 10, 2022
          #5 Quote in Conversation
        • Aaron Johnston

          Aaron Johnston Apprentice Gardener

          Joined:
          May 28, 2022
          Messages:
          15
          Gender:
          Male
          Ratings:
          +11
          This is my first time growing. So the raised bed hasn't had anything grown in it before. I have topsoil below a layer of organic compost and this was added around a month before planting anything in the bed.
           
          Aaron Johnston, Jun 10, 2022
          #6 Quote in Conversation
        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

          Joined:
          Jun 3, 2008
          Messages:
          33,058
          Gender:
          Male
          Location:
          Surrey
          Ratings:
          +51,739
          It should all be Ok then.
           
          • Friendly Friendly x 1
            JWK, Jun 10, 2022
            #7 Quote in Conversation
          Loading...
          Similar Threads - maggots
          1. Joe Richard

            Help please - why are there maggots coming out for my garden soil

            Joe Richard, Nov 23, 2020, in forum: Identification Area
            Replies:
            5
            Views:
            1,100
            Joe Richard
            Nov 24, 2020
          2. waiting for the weather

            Tips and/or a sense of perspective on plum maggots please?

            waiting for the weather, Sep 10, 2015, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
            Replies:
            0
            Views:
            3,079
            waiting for the weather
            Sep 10, 2015
          3. miraflores

            maggots

            miraflores, Oct 4, 2012, in forum: Off-Topic Discussion
            Replies:
            10
            Views:
            1,021
            Phil A
            Oct 7, 2012
          4. zoena

            need some advice re maggots in border??!!

            zoena, Nov 18, 2011, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
            Replies:
            2
            Views:
            792
            gcc3663
            Nov 18, 2011
          5. Daisies

            Sweet chestnuts and maggots!

            Daisies, Dec 19, 2010, in forum: General Gardening Discussion
            Replies:
            12
            Views:
            5,440
            Daisies
            Dec 25, 2010

          Share This Page

          1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
            By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
            Accept Learn More...
            Dismiss Notice