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Topsfield, Ma.

Got a bug question. Tiny wormlike critters, whitish, approx 1/4-1/2" long and 1/32-1/16" across, with 4 feet per segment have taken up residence in the patch. Easily 1-2 doz per sq ft. Local garden center said "centipede" family critter and not likely to harm plant. They said they're working on the organic matter (approx 20%) and are beneficial. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Wouldn't want to nuke my friends...LOL. Grub-Ex was already applied at label rate a couple weeks ago.

5/21/2005 8:03:11 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Centipedes usually don't bother with live plant material. So long as they're just eating dead stuff they're a vital part of the soil food web & should be left alone.

I've heard of some odd-ball regional types that do eat the fruit if it contacts the ground directly. So use of pulp mill fabric (or similar) would be a good idea if you weren't already planning to use it.

5/21/2005 8:27:49 PM

Long Island,New York

Centipedes are carnivorous and eat other insects. Millipedes are herbivores and eat leaf litter mostly. (My pet millipede loves cucumber slices) I had a millipede bloom when I first started keeping clones...the soil was from the patch and since it didn't freeze I had the native millipedes in the soil and then all thier eggs for next year hatch...I had zillions. They do eat roots...Ive seen it first hand. Duff...you gotz millipedes (the young are white, 2 sets of legs per segment. I wouldn't nuke them unless they are in the zillions..........G

5/21/2005 10:26:14 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Thanks for the input guys. My buddy Woody dropped by today and thought they looked like wireworms...not good! Anyone got an idea on positive identification? Local nursery guy saw 4 ft per segment and G, you said 2 ft per segment for
millipede. And gazillions is probably the right "head count"

5/22/2005 7:42:36 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

A Google search found that wireworms have 3 sets of legs behind the head...and since my critters have more I'm a little bit relieved, but not happy yet!

5/22/2005 7:56:53 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Duff,

Retail garden centers could be staffed with anything from a pot-smoking high school drop-out to a university PhD and anything in between.

Catch the critter & bring it to your nearest agriculture experiment station. Another option would be a good school of agriculture entomology dept.

Of course posting a good clear closeup digital image here at BP would be good too.

5/22/2005 10:08:14 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Duff, re-read G's entry...it says 2 sets of legs per segment. That would be 4. LOL Peace Wayne

5/22/2005 10:08:46 PM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

duff, last year I had some success on the internet with identifying insects and other pests/diseases in my jack-o-lantern sized pumpkins. I don't have any links handy, but I remember that some of them allowed you to go through a process to identify exactly what you've got. They ususally have pictures to help.

5/23/2005 1:03:31 AM

Oz

garden centers also may have pot smoking university phds.

5/23/2005 9:36:18 AM

Billerica,Massachusetts

http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/wireworms.htm

5/23/2005 11:57:27 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

Well, got the digital camera, just no up to speed on using it and posting...yet!
G was right again, thanks Peace!
Good pics on Glenn"s recommended sight, definitely not wireworms...whew! Thanks all!
I suspect most patch critters are drowning right about now 'cept the ones hunkered down inside the hoop house!
When will we get some growing weather? LOL

5/23/2005 8:24:49 PM