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Pest problem on Allotment

connie77connie77 Posts: 148
in Problem solving

Hi i have found alot of orangey, thin worm like things which have loads of legs like a centerpede but, shorter, they are in the soil amongst Potatoes and even though they don't seem to have affected them? i just want to know what they are please? thanks

Posts

  • waterbuttswaterbutts Posts: 1,214

    If it is quite wriggly and looks like it is having a bit of a heart attack when unearthed it is a snake centipede and, like all centipedes is a FRIEND. Unlike millipedes which are stouter and look a bit plastic-like and are black and will chew through roots like nobody's business. Snake centipedes look sort of sneaky and suspicious but they are goodies.

  • LeggiLeggi Posts: 489

    Wireworms probably, although they usually eat the potatoes.

  • waterbuttswaterbutts Posts: 1,214

    So you can decide which they are - wireworms are solid and dont move very much when touched. Robins love to eat them. Snake centipedes quiver and wriggle and writhe about if you so much as look at them. Wireworms bad(unless you are a robin). Centipedes good.

  • LeggiLeggi Posts: 489

    Loads of legs would suggest they're not wireworm. I should learn to read properly image

  • waterbuttswaterbutts Posts: 1,214

    It's the heatimage

  • marshmellomarshmello Posts: 683

    These are called geophilomorph centipedes. Nothing to worry about and don't touch anything at the allotment - I've got loads myself in the soil.

  • connie77connie77 Posts: 148

    Thanks everyone for clearing up that problem for me image

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