skip to main content

Soil, Compost & Mulch

What bugs are these?

16 years ago

Hi all,

I'm still new to composting and I'm wondering are there bugs that should not be in my compost? For example I have a gazillion of these light brownish, short, flat-bodied, oval-shaped (pointed and both ends, about 1 in. long) bugs (worms?) in my compost and I have no idea what they are. There don't seem to be any earthworm-type ones in there, is that a bad thing?

Thanks, Silvia

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Kimmsr
16 years ago
As a general rule any "bugs" or their larva that you can see should not be there, the presence of these indicates that your materail is too wet to compost well. Because some CAFOs use fly larva to aid in digesting the large piles of manure produced there are some people that have gotten to thinking that these pests are okay in compost while they are not. There is some thought that these flies are predators of other insects, but the true predator is much smaller than these flies. Most often I have found that when these bugs are present in compost there is also a rather unpleasant odor further indicating that this compost is anaerobically digesting, not good, instead of aerobically digesting, good.
kimpa zone 9b N. Florida.
16 years ago
You most likely are seeing soldier fly larva.
Related Discussions
What bug is this?
Q
Comments (10)
That is one of my arch enemies a click beetle. The worse part of this beetle are its larvae. I believe they are called wireworms. Twice a year the beetles deposit their eggs in the soil by your plant roots. The wetter the soil the happier they are. I have in the past lost several ornamental grasses to wireworms and a few small newly planted roses. Newly planted perennials have been slaughtered as well. I hate them kill it. They will do serious damage to veggie gardens. The wireworm can survive underground feeding on the roots of your plants for an eternity. Basically morphing once again into an adult to mate. While plant death does not happen often should you dig up a dead young plant look for wireworms. I have found as many as twenty in the hole with a new plant as they are attracted to the loose moist soil. They are considered a serious agricultural pest in some areas. To think that I used to consider them benignly cute them I learned the truth.Wireworms - Missouri Botanical Garden
...See More
What bugs are these?
Q
Comments (8)
Not sure, but I had what I called white needle pests on my cast iron plant some time ago. I believe that they were larva of mealie bugs. Not saying what your pest is, just relating an experience with my plants. I would repot your plant with clean soil and make sure you take all the precautions possible- wash the pot and saucer, clean the area around the plant, isolate the plant. I often will spray the roots with insecticidal soap if I suspect critters were in the soil.
...See More
What bugs you the most about your semi-frameless or frameless shower?
Q
Comments (17)
I am in Oklahoma, so $800 will buy me a custom glass shower panel, plus installation costs. People forget that some states have a lower cost of living. I have noticed that some of the glass screens (panels) have a small fixed panel by the shower head side, and the rest of the panel will open outward so you can turn the water on. Seems to me you could still get wet that way, and there would be a small space between the fixed panel and the swing open panel so water could potentially splash out there. I am undecided about glass doors too, so I would be interested in what you decide. I am thinking about a fixed glass panel on the 48" side and leaving the 36" side open, but I have not decided. The other 2 sides will be tiled. In my bathroom with a shower/tub combo, I am getting a bi-fold glass screen that folds either in or out.
...See More
What bug is this??
Q
Comments (24)
I apologise Diane you had asked me previous as to whether my rose has gotten any damage, and I didn't reply. Frankly nothing visable I see. Just a healthy, somewhat handsome plant. This is now my third year with this rose, David Austins Benjamin Britten, and by now it would have lost plenty of foliage from blackspot, this year its looking great no blackspot and consistant blooms. Yet its un-nerving to be picking off lanternflys everytime I go see it. They don't go on the leaves they just grip the canes. I'm on the 3rd floor, and the flys are coming from the trees on the walking path. Before they could fly, they would get blown by the wind, or jump from the trees; land on the balcony and walk to get on the rose. Now that they can fly I see them fluttering from the trees sometimes landing straight on the rose.
...See More
phoggy
Original Author
16 years ago
OMG, I googled for pictures of soldier fly larva, and thats exactly what they are. Oh how disgusting, I basically cultivated maggots in my compost. I suppose that means I should throw out everything in my bin?

Thanks,
Siliva
phoggy
Original Author
16 years ago
Ok, I found some more information and looks like there is nothing wrong with having these in the bin, but I should control moisture, heat and acid levels better.
gardenfanatic2003
16 years ago
The upside is that they will help process the material in your bin more quickly. Their presence is really no big deal.

Deanna
jean001
16 years ago
Their presence typically means that the compost is too wet.
joepyeweed
16 years ago
Black Soldier Fly Larvae are somewhat common in compost piles and its not because they are too wet. Compost is supposed to be moist, but not too damp, and it contains decaying organic material. Its a perfect habitat for BSFL.

The larvae are not bad for the compost and they are not bad for your plants. They are really gross to look at and I would prefer not to see them.

I keep my pile on the dry side... it has lots of dry straw and I rarely add any additional moisture and I still get the occaisonal BSFL mass of goo. Eventually they will hatch and fly away. I wouldn't worry about them and I wouldn't look at them either.

You mentioned not seeing any earth worms. That is not surprising. Earthworms don't really like a warm active pile, they prefer the pile when its cooler and closer to finished compost. I wouldn't worry about lack of worms either.

Here is a link that might be useful: Black Soldier Fly larvae

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Porch Life: Banish the Bugs

By Becky Harris

Don't let insects be the bane of your sweet tea and swing time. These screening and product ideas will help keep bugs at bay on the porch

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Breezy and Bug-Free Modern Porches

Screening keeps pests out of these diverse porches across the U.S., while thoughtful designs keep them visually appealing

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Decor to Make Your Eyes Bug Out

By Noelani Zervas

Insects are marching to a different tune these days, showing up on knobs, teapots and even tablecloths

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Bid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good

By Matt Kilburn

Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters

DIY PROJECTS 12 Signs You've Caught the DIY Bug

By Nina Montenegro

Been making inventive things from scratch? Repurposing salvaged pieces creatively? It may be more serious than you think

EARTH DAY How to Help Your Town’s Beneficial Birds and Bugs

By Annie Thornton

Make a habitat using local materials to provide a home to the creatures that help our gardens

EVENTS Enjoy Plantings, Eat Bugs and Learn at the Australian Garden Show

By Tiffany Carboni

Indulge your senses at this four-day celebration of gardening, food and more in Sydney — and don't forget to try the crickets

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Common Boneset Helps Good Bugs Thrive

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Support bees, moths and butterflies with the nectar of this low-maintenance, versatile and tactile prairie-style plant

UPHOLSTERY The Perks and Perils of Reupholstering Old Furniture

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Secondhand upholstered pieces can add character to a room, but beware of bugs, snakes and hidden costs

Insects for Your Interiors

By Erin Lang Norris

Bring the Outdoors Inside with Surprisingly Beautiful Bug Decor

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

food for earthwroms?

1

Correcting Iron Deficiency for Camellia

7

Pine Bark - Break Down

1

Question About Wood Chip Mulch

7

How to water trees on land without access to tap water?

28