White, fragile. 12 pairs of legs on adult (fewer legs on young); up to 3/8 inch long. Not classified as an insect. Found in moist soils that contain decayed plant material, particularly near greenhouses.
Potato, beans, beet, carrot, celery and spinach.
Eats numerous tiny holes, or pits, into underground portions of plants. Eats off tiny roots and root hairs. Roots of injured plants have blunted appearance.
Throughout humid areas of United States.
Garden symplylan adults overwinter deep in soil. As temperatures rise in spring they move up through the soil profile and lay their eggs. In about two or three weeks nymphs hatch.
Flooding the field may control garden symphylan.
A tobacco slurry poured into the soil may also be effective.
A soil drench with a registered insecticide may provide control.
Notice: Because pesticide labels can change rapidly, you should read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticides. Regardless of the information provided here, you should always follow the latest product label when using any pesticide. If you have any doubt, please contact your local Extension agent or pesticide dealer for the latest information on pesticide label changes.
Disclaimer: Commercial products named on this site are for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.
Prepared by Alexandra Spring and Eric Day (Modified from a publication by the USDA)