Comments for
Brown Wire worm (Millipede)

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Millipede
by: Moni

Diane
Your critters are millipedes. They are related to insects but are not an insect. They have 2 pair of legs per body segment versus 1 pair of legs per body segment like centipedes versus 6 legs of an insect.
Millipedes are found in moist organic locations. They feed on mostly decaying plant matter but can feed on fruits that come in contact with the soil like strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes or carrots. They are not considered an economic pest. Tho they may take a bite or two from your potatoes there is probably other diseases or insects feeding on them.
Potato tuberworm, wireworms, grubs or potato stalk borers could be responsible for the damage on your potatoes.

Millipedes are considered beneficial as they break down organic matter...which sounds like you have lots of...which is great for the garden.
Control of millipedes in the garden if needed would be to dry out the soil...perhaps by cultivating.

Millipedes do sometimes come indoors when soils are wet. They do no damage and can be picked up and thrown outside or vacuumed. Be careful handling millipedes as they do give off a smelly scent.

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