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Kevinstinindians@yahoo.com

I have been finding these little tiny worms. They're about 3/8 to 1/2 inch long, about as big around as a pencil lead, and almost transparent. Are they nematodes? Every time I move some soil I find some, they're very active little buggers once they're exposed. Are they evil and if so how do I kill them? Thanks for any help.

5/28/2006 9:57:39 AM

San Diego, Ca.

They could be baby worms. Worms become very active when exposed to the light.
I saw something just like what you are describing under the shell of a seedlng that had just come up but it had a small dark colored head. Whatever it was, it is dead now. I didn't see any others. Nematodes crossed my mind also but I don't know if they are large enough to see without a microscope.

5/28/2006 11:21:20 AM

Montoursville, PA

My guess is that you have a hatch of worms. They are so small that few ever see them. Ditto on the nematodes. You would not see them. Give them a dose of corn meal at the rate of twenty pounds to the thousand square feet. Rake it in lightly. They will come up and get it. As a bonus you will also support your good fungi with the corn meal and get a small amount, of nitrogen. The worm casts will return your investment ten fold.

5/28/2006 10:23:49 PM

Kevinstinindians@yahoo.com

Thanks Doc and Gourdzilla, I had hoped thats what they were but hadn't seen baby worms before. They look like some type of parasite so I was concerned they might be. My OM is a little over 11% and have a fair amount of adult worms so it would make good sense.

5/29/2006 8:15:12 AM