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Fly larvae extermination, and orphaned kittens need help

Posted by chrisa Bklyn (z7) (My Page) on
Sun, Jul 27, 08 at 19:48

Well my plans for gardening today were interrupted radically and it wasn't just by the thunder.

The question is: Is there a thorough and safe method to remove fly maggots (a lot!) from the soil of an area where there are precious plants growing?

Very long story short: I haven't been out in my tiny yard all week except briefly very late when I come home at ~11pm to call my cats in or the like. Today is my "Saturday" and I was going to catch up on chores. Last weekend I found that a young stray had moved her 2 kittens into the neighbor's weed-choked lot, just under the chain link fence from the corner of my garden (she herself was born there last summer). Probably because I poked around and looked, she moved them away from the fence and I didn't see her the rest of the week.
Today I found the remains of her body under my tomato plants. Remains meaning fur and bones and soil teaming with maggots. Not sure how long that took. :~P The remains were removed as best I could as it started to pour, the 2 kittens were located and rescued from under a board in the alleyway behind my yard. But there is no way to eradicate all those fly maggots that I know of.

I took a gamble on mixing organic insecticidal soap into my watering can and using it as a soil drench but it really doesn't seem to have done much, at least yet...it may not. The little bastards are now spreading out, climbing the edging wall, wriggling all over the place. Without digging out my tomatoes, the herbs around them, and tons of good soil, I cannot think of a way to remove them. Given my hunting cats and the volume of strays in the adjoining alley, birds are wary of the area. Any other ideas??

BTW there are 2 adorable fluffy fleabags now tucked in a carrier in my living room and being hand-fed. If you want a kitten, these ones are sure survivors!


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Fly larvae extermination, and orphaned kittens need help

Chrisa,
I don't know of a way to help with getting rid of larvae (maybe try torching as small an area as possible?) and also cannot take a kitten (am a cat lover who's allergic to cats...), but i wanted to wish you and the kitties good luck. Hopefully your larvae took nature's course and flew away, and the kitties found good homes by now. :)

Sending good wishes your way,

Sparkle


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RE: Fly larvae extermination, and orphaned kittens need help

I'm sorry to hear about the dead cat, but I want to thank you for being so kind and resquing her babies. I hope they have homes by now. Sorry I can't take one. I have a dog and two cats, one of which is very old and has three failing organs (kidneys, liver, thyroid). I've had maggots in my garbage cans for a few weeks, I try to keep them dry and in the sun as much as possible. I dumped one can of maggots on the driveway and squashed them all with my feet. (I was wearing shoes.)


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RE: Fly larvae extermination, and orphaned kittens need help

Fly larvae are very difficult to get rid of especially due to the fact that you are limited to what you can incorporate into the grow medium without adverse effects to your plant. Most adult flies are not the main concern to your plants well being, in fact, they may be beneficial. Although, many fly larvae can impose a great threat to any plant's root system, especially during the vegetative state! In this matter I urge you to check out some beneficial nematodes, which are a natural predator to 257+ different fly larvae yet pose almost no threat to plants. Depending on your climate there are a few different species to fit best...with a little research I'm certain you will find what works for your plants. Good luck and I hope this helps...happy gardening!


 
 

 

 


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