Sasha CampbellIf you’ve ever planted corn and soybeans only to watch the seeds fail to sprout, or there is poor germination, seed corn maggots might be to blame.
These soil-dwelling pests often destroy certain germinating seeds and seedlings.
Thankfully, there are several natural and organic ways to control these pests. This guide will help you take steps to protect your crops without using harsh chemicals.
Identification
Seed corn maggots are whitish, legless larvae of a small, light gray fly [1]. These pests are especially troublesome for farmers and gardeners, mostly in corn and soybean fields [2].
The adult flies look a bit like small houseflies, but it’s the larvae that do the real damage. They live in the soil and, feed on the inside of seeds and tender new roots.
However, these pests don’t limit themselves to just corn. They’re known to attack a wide range of vegetables and field crops.
Beans, peas, broccoli, cucumbers, onions, cauliflower, sugar beets, lentils, and melons can all be harmed by their feeding habits [3, 4]. Any crop with large seeds or that is planted early in cool, moist soil is susceptible to damage.
How to Get Rid of Seed Corn Maggots Naturally
Below are natural remedies and organic control methods to help control seed corn maggots.
1. Delay Planting
One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the impact of seed corn maggots is to delay planting until the soil has warmed up.
Seeds germinate faster in warm soil. This gives them a better chance of outpacing maggot damage.
When germination happens quickly, there is a smaller window of time during which the larvae can cause harm.
2. Avoid Cool, Wet Periods to Plant
Cool, wet weather creates the perfect conditions for seed corn maggots to thrive. These pests are most active during early spring.
If you plant during these times, the likelihood of maggot infestation goes up. Therefore, to reduce your risk, try to avoid planting during cool, wet springs.
3. Use Crop Rotation
Rotating your crops can help disrupt the life cycle of these pests. Therefore, avoid planting the same crop—or crops that are often affected—every season in the same spot.
For example, move your corn, beans, crucifers, or onions to different sections of the garden. Doing so can confuse the pests and reduce their numbers.
4. Conservation Tillage
Traditional tilling allows organic matter to be mixed into live soil. This attracts seed corn maggot flies, which are looking for a place to lay their eggs.
However, conservation tillage means less soil disturbance. This method keeps organic matter on the surface. When this happens, it becomes less attractive to this pest.
5. Yellow Sticky Traps
One home remedy to help monitor and reduce adult fly populations is to use yellow sticky traps. These traps attract the adult flies with their bright color and trap them on a sticky surface.
They won’t eliminate an infestation on their own. However, they can help you keep tabs on fly activity and reduce the number of adults laying eggs.
Therefore, place the traps around your garden or field before and during planting to catch incoming flies.
6. Natural Predators
Nature offers its pest control service in the form of beneficial predators.
Ground beetles, spiders, and ants all feed on seed corn maggot larvae and/or eggs. Some birds and parasitic wasps are also helpful in this way.
Therefore, you can encourage these natural enemies to move in and stay.
7. Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes, primarily Steinernema feltiae, hunt down and destroy soil pests, such as seed corn maggots [5].
Moreover, you can purchase these nematodes and apply them to your soil. Just follow the instructions that come with your order.
8. Floating Row Covers
These covers are handy for keeping out adult flies before they have a chance to lay their eggs in the soil.
To be effective, you’ll need to install the row covers right after planting.
Ensure that the edges are secure to prevent flies from entering. Once your plants are established and no longer in danger, the covers can be removed.
9. Yellow Buckets with Soapy Water
Soapy water is another clever DIY tactic to prevent adult flies from reaching your crops.
Place yellow buckets filled with soapy water around the edges of your field. The yellow color attracts the flies, and the soapy water traps and kills them.
This method will not permanently resolve the issue, but it does provide some relief.
10. Avoid Using Green or Animal Manure on the Field
Female seed corn maggot flies are attracted to freshly tilled soil rich in organic matter.
These pests are especially attracted to green manure and animal manure. These materials provide an ideal breeding ground for the flies, as they are drawn to decaying organic matter.
Ideally, apply these materials in the fall instead of in the spring. This allows time for the organic matter to break down, reducing its attractiveness to egg-laying flies.
11. Debug Trés Insecticide
For gardeners and farmers looking for a natural insecticide option, Debug Trés is worth considering.
This neem oil-based product works as a deterrent for a variety of soft-bodied insects, including maggots.
This treatment functions as both a repellent and a growth disruptor. It interferes with the pests’ development and feeding behaviors.
Takeaway
Dealing with seed corn maggots can be frustrating, especially when you’ve put time and care into your planting. However, with a bit of planning and the right natural strategies, you can enjoy a healthy and productive growing season.
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