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Find this worm like larva in the flower beds dirt

hhoxsiehhoxsie Posts: 1
in Problem solving


I find this worm like creature when I am digging in the dirt, removing grass growing in flower beds. Is this a grub or cut worn or what is it? Is it a pest? If so how do I get rid of it?

Posts

  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    Looks like a leatherjacket, they eat grass roots, birds eat them. I never bother doing anything about them because they're no problem. 
  • blacksweetrollsblacksweetrolls Posts: 16
    They look like cutworms to me and cutworms are definitely pests! They munch on plants and can do some serious damage if they're not controlled. Luckily, getting rid of them isn't too tough - it just takes a bit of patience and some creative pest control solutions. You can handpick them, using a stick if you need to. You can also spread diatomaceous earth around the area as an insect-proof barrier.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Look like leatherjackets to me too. Not cutworms. 
    They like eating grass roots, which is why they're often found in lawns, and that's why you're seeing them in your beds if they're full of grass.
    They're not usually a problem here either, although there's been more in the last two springs because of the mild winters. They don't usually survive in any numbers most years. Their the offspring of crane flies, who lay their eggs in late summer/early autumn, and the grubs then overwinter. 
    You might see crows/magpies etc digging them out of your lawn [if you have one] to eat, and leaving little tufts where they pull them out.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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