Root Maggot

Root Maggot: (Size=1/3 inch)
Root maggots are the larvae of flies that lay their white eggs in the soil at the base of host plants. The adult fly is nondescript, about housefly size and gray.

There are several different species that target different host plants. Onion maggots seek out anything in the onion family, such as garlic and leeks; cabbage maggots look for any cabbage-family plant, such as broccoli or turnips. Both onion and cabbage maggots are more common in the northern half of the U.S.

The maggots are most active during cool weather of spring or fall. The tunnel into roots disfiguring onions, but and creating entry points for bacteria such as black rot. Plants lack vigor, may be stunted, and are prone to wilting during the heat of the day.

Controls
Check suspicious plants and immediately destroy any that prove to be infected.

Use beneficial nematodes to destroy the maggots.

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