Allotments 4 All

Cutworms can be grey, brown, green or white when touched they curl up in a "c" shape, they mainly feed on young green stems severing the plant at ground level

Since it's described as a 'centipede thing', we can't assume it was a wireworm. They don't move like centipedes at all.

Pity we did not have a photo to identify the thing mm :)

Did it look like this?  You will need to click on the pictures to make them bigger.

http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,19862.0.html

Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on March 26, 2011, 21:59:24
Since it's described as a 'centipede thing', we can't assume it was a wireworm. They don't move like centipedes at all.

Neither can it be assumed to be a centipede. And as  it came out of a potato it is more likely to be a wireworm. Duh.

Quote from: daitheplant on March 27, 2011, 22:03:37

Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on March 26, 2011, 21:59:24
Since it's described as a 'centipede thing', we can't assume it was a wireworm. They don't move like centipedes at all.

Neither can it be assumed to be a centipede. And as  it came out of a potato it is more likely to be a wireworm. Duh.

Firstly I have not suggested that it is a centipede, I have only given a description of a centipede and wireworm, without seeing a picture of the actual thing no one can be certain what it is.

Secondly i would not reply to anyone and end the sentence with DUH, I think that is very rude to suggest that someone is thick.


thirdly I have seen many a centipede coming out of an hole in a potato that as been made by a slug so to suggest that it is a wireworm because it as come out of a potato is bad advice.

Hi all,

I can now confirm that it's not a centipede but a wireworm, so what is the low down on these wriggly pests, how much damage can they do and how do I get rid of them?

:)

I do not think that there is any insecticide you can use against wireworm...the best way to get rid is to keep raking the soil over and let the birds do the work of eating the larva and grubs.

Apologies WILL be accepted. ;D ;D ;D ;D So, DUh. :P

Why would anyone apologise?

Ditto Robert.  :(

Quote from: RSJK on March 30, 2011, 17:56:46
I do not think that there is any insecticide you can use against wireworm...the best way to get rid is to keep raking the soil over and let the birds do the work of eating the larva and grubs.

Am I right in saying that wireworms prefer grassy areas and that once the soil is cultivated they tend to be less of a problem? ;)

Yes Pumpkin they do prefer grassy areas but they are still a big problem in potatoes crops and need controlling.

I've just noticed that I was supposed to have written that at 6.06 am -when I was still in bed.
definatly going off thread here but the clock is still on GMT! ;D ;D ;D

The clock seems OK now...  :)

No, sorry still an hour behind, I was reading the computer clock... bottom right of the screen... DOH!  ;D

The larvae mainly live on grass, so if you've just broken in a lot of turf they're likely to be a major problem for the first few years. They diminish with time, but there are always a few around.

Quote from: cornykev on April 01, 2011, 05:21:09
Ditto Robert.  :(

Also ditto from me

Quote from: saddad on April 01, 2011, 07:22:41
The clock seems OK now...  :)

No, sorry still an hour behind, I was reading the computer clock... bottom right of the screen... DOH!  ;D

Too early yet!!! ;D
still off thread  :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[sorry

Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on March 31, 2011, 23:10:13
Why would anyone apologise?

Because you thought you knew it all and, instead you had a lesson. Listen to your elders in future, people who know better. Same applies to you Kev.

Quote from: daitheplant on April 02, 2011, 21:22:53

Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on March 31, 2011, 23:10:13
Why would anyone apologise?

Because you thought you knew it all and, instead you had a lesson. Listen to your elders in future, people who know better. Same applies to you Kev.

And what makes you say that we thought we knew it all