Are these maggots?

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

  1. Aaron Johnston

    Aaron Johnston Apprentice Gardener

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    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
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  2. Michael Hewett

    Michael Hewett Total Gardener

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    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 ...
     
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      Michael Hewett, Jun 9, 2022
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    • JWK

      JWK Gardener Staff Member

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      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.
       
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        JWK, Jun 9, 2022
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      • Aaron Johnston

        Aaron Johnston Apprentice Gardener

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        They were hard and not moving at all. So shouldn't be an issue?
         
        Aaron Johnston, Jun 9, 2022
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      • JWK

        JWK Gardener Staff Member

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        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.
         
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          JWK, Jun 10, 2022
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        • Aaron Johnston

          Aaron Johnston Apprentice Gardener

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          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
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        • JWK

          JWK Gardener Staff Member

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          It should all be Ok then.
           
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            JWK, Jun 10, 2022
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