Knowledgebase

I was planting a few things in my raised garden bed today and noticed a bunch of these bugs. #871222

Asked June 02, 2024, 10:36 PM EDT

I was planting a few things in my raised garden beds today and noticed a bunch of these bugs/worms all throughout the beds. They are a silver gray worm-like thing and I found them all at least an inch under the top of the soil and deeper. Some are small, maybe the size of my pinky nail when curled up and some are big, the size of a quarter when curled up. Are they a bad thing to have in my beds and if so how do I get rid of them?! I pulled out so many in just a small area where I planted. I planted in 4 different areas today, all in different parts of the beds, and noticed them in each spot. I topped my beds off this season with some miracle grow organic raised bed soil that contained compost that I bought at Costco and then planted right after that. I’m wondering if they are from the soil :/ I planted most of my seedlings last weekend and didn’t notice any of these things but when adding the last few seedlings today I saw them all over the beds. 

Jefferson County Colorado

Expert Response

Good morning!

Thank you for reaching out.

I am sorry to hear you found those in your soil! I do not know if they came from the bagged soil but there are a ton of different types of grubs that live in the soil. 

The main concern with the grubs in the soil is if they are eating the roots of your plants! I would keep an eye on your plants - if they show signs of stress or wilting (especially if you are watering regularly) then they could be eating the roots of your plants. 

If you send in a closer photo of the grub I can try to ID it! You can also bring in a couple of them to our office and we can take a look at them under the microscope to ID them. It is a 15$ fee. We are located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds and open Tuesday to Friday from 8-4:30pm.

Thanks for reaching out!

Rachel

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 04, 2024, 10:16 AM EDT

Loading ...