Unidentified Grubs in Compost

[Loirette]

I have found a large number of grubs in my compost. They are white with orange coloured "heads". They are quite fat and about an inch long. I took some pictures but haven't quite worked out where I can put them so that I can put an image tag in

Does anyone have any ideas what they might be? I am not sure if they are good or bad...

Thanks.

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Loirette, they sound like Vine weevil grubs to me, i don't know what others think.

[goldilox]

Hi Loirette,
I'm no expert, but I regularly get these grubs in my compost but I think mine are chafer grubs. I just squash them as and when I find them.

[KG Steve]

Hi Loirette
I agree with OH. If the grubs are c-shaped and creamy coloured, they are vine weevils. You could use the biological control once the compost is around 5C. We will have lots about bio controls in the May issue - not specifically about vine weevils, but the contact details of most of the suppliers of these products will be in there.
It is a bit expensive so it depends on whether the crops you want to protect are worth it - i.e. I'd think twice about treating lettuces, but if its your blueberries then its worth it.

[Loirette]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Im familiar with Vine Weevils, and these are much bigger, so I'm doubtful that they are the same. (Maybe they have bigger ones here in France ) I have now put some pictures on Divshare.

Click this picture (this one is a little blurred I'm afraid)to take you to a few more....


Enjoy!

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Loirette, i have to agree with you, they do look to large for Vine weevil grubs.

Now that has thrown me.

I think the little dots along the body should help to identify the little beasties.

[Chantal]

Loirette

Could you perhaps take another photo with something, a coin, or a ruler perhaps, alongside to give an idea of size?

[KG Steve]

Hi Loriette
Having seen the pics I am sure that they are chafer grubs. Should have guessed when you said they were an inch long, but I didn't click.
Goldilox's squashing technique is as good as most, but you can get a bio control for chafers, but it needs to be used in July/August and is intended for use on lawns. Bio control companies such as Green Gardener could give you more advice.

[Loirette]

Thanks for all your replies, very helpful. I think they must be chafer grubs as we did have lots of adult chafers flying around in the Summer. Not having seen the grubs before, I didn't put the two together!