Wireworm

Wireworms: (Size=1-1/2 inch)
They look much like some kind of earthworm, but are a shinier, reddish brown and are covered by a stiff shell. The larva of the 1/2-inch long click beetles, they are known to nibble on seeds as well as beets, carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Usually they are not a serious problem, but suspect them if a corn crop fails to germinate. Wireworms are most likely to be a problem in garden soil that was recently covered by sod.

Controls:
Cultivation and crop rotation are usually more than enough to keep populations low and not troublesome. You can test your soil by spearing pieces of potato on sticks and buring them 2 to 4 inches deep. Dig up the pieces after a week and inspect for wireworms feeding inside. If the they are present, this test will reveal them to you.

If wireworm populations are very high, use beneficial nematodes to reduce their numbers.

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