Small Grubs Eating My Green Bean Seeds

Identification

• The seedcorn maggot is among the likely green been pests. The small, white grubs are about 1/3-inch long at maturity. The pests are legless with pointed heads and blunt posteriors. Seedcorn maggots are the larval stage of small, dark gray flies.

Damage

• Seedcorn maggots feed on green bean seeds and seedlings. The pests cause the most damage to green beans during these early growth stages of the plants. Maggot damage to larger, developed plants is minimal. Seedcorn maggots are more prevalent during wet and cool weather.

Management

• Excessively fertilizing plants with manure is among the common causes of seedcorn maggot infestation. Using transplants or pregerminated seeds minimizes the risk of damage. Start planting seeds under warm temperature for fast germination. Use protective cloth to cover seedbeds to keep adult flies away so they won't lay eggs.