Knowledgebase

Thousands of Grubs #288807

Asked November 04, 2015, 3:22 PM EST

My children and I were doing some fall cleanup around our Blue Spruce trees today. When we moved a layer of the organic duff material we found thousands of these tiny grubs in the duff and soil. I am wondering what they are? Are they going to mature into something that will harm my trees or garden next year ( my garden is relatively close to these trees)? And why would there be a hatch of them in November in Northern Colorado (Fort Collins)? Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!



Larimer County Colorado

Expert Response

Hello,

I consulted with our state entomologist and he believes they are larvae (maggots) of the March fly: http://bspm.agsci.colostate.edu/files/2013/03/March-Flies.pdf

These flies lay eggs in damp areas with a lot of decaying matter. Further, there were a lot of adult flies this summer (in June) and they would lay eggs which typically hatch in September and October. These larvae will pupate and adult flies will emerge next spring/summer. 

The flies are not harmful to humans, nor will they cause damage to your garden and surrounding plants. 
Alison O'Connor, PhD Replied November 06, 2015, 5:51 PM EST

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