Seedcorn Maggots- S.O.S.

ARgardener · February 25, 2017

I had never heard of this pest. Now here I am, knee-deep in my first "Big" garden, and I have them.
I now know why I have them... I tilled in relatively fresh manures and leaves in late winter, so my soil is really rich with decaying organic matter. Which is what's drawing the little demons.
I've suffered huge losses on my germination rates and seedlings (especially in my carrots, spinach, and peas).
I really don't know what to do.. at all.
Should I desperately try a pyrethrin soil drench? Or is that a waste of $20?
Should I replant? Not sure if that would help either...
Should I do anything with the areas of the garden that aren't yet planted?
Are all of my summer crops now doomed as well??

It's pretty devastating, really... I just need some opinions on what to do.

February 25, 2017	#1
ARgardener Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: steamy southern Arkansas Posts: 155	Seedcorn Maggots- S.O.S. I had never heard of this pest. Now here I am, knee-deep in my first "Big" garden, and I have them. I now know why I have them... I tilled in relatively fresh manures and leaves in late winter, so my soil is really rich with decaying organic matter. Which is what's drawing the little demons. I've suffered huge losses on my germination rates and seedlings (especially in my carrots, spinach, and peas). I really don't know what to do.. at all. Should I desperately try a pyrethrin soil drench? Or is that a waste of $20? Should I replant? Not sure if that would help either... Should I do anything with the areas of the garden that aren't yet planted? Are all of my summer crops now doomed as well?? It's pretty devastating, really... I just need some opinions on what to do.