Swift moth larvae

Symptoms

They feed almost entirely below ground. Damage can be caused at any time of year.

Spot them

Swift moths lay up to 700 eggs and the emerging grubs burrow into the soil and attack bulbs. These look like white caterpillars (65 mm) with shiny brown heads and can be found in soil, on roots, tubers and bulbs. These pests are usually noticed when digging up the ground in winter.