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Summer,

This could be a mydas fly, which is a beneficial insect. The larvae eat pests that you don't want in your garden.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I have flies all around my garden and I can't tell if they are eating the plants themselves or eating other bugs/eggs. They look like pretty regular flies, but seem to lay eggs in the dirt and the adults are very slow and don't fly far. Any suggestions? I can't find anything about them online. I have tons of flea beetles which are super annoying! These flies are much bigger than them at about 1/2" long.

-- Contributed by: Summer

This sounds like more than just an insect pest without a doubt. It is possible that you are dealing with raccoons. Skunks are a possibility as well, however you would probably be able to smell it if this was the case. Opossums are another good possibility.

One thing you can try is mothballs. Often nocturnal critters do not like the smell of them and will stay away. A fence may also help keep them at bay.

If this does not work, you can try a humane trap that will catch the animals without killing them. Bait the trap with something tasty and check in the morning to see who your uninvited guest is.

Once you have caught whatever is doing the damage to your garden, you'll want to be very careful in how you get rid of it. Wild animals can be dangerous. They bite and scratch and some carry diseases. Use gloves to handle the cage and set them free in a place more suitable. Or try calling a local wildlife officer to dispose of the animal for you.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

at night something is biting heds off dwarf beans digging up runner beans,ruining the peas and shallotts .whatever it is it digs holes ever where.it even digs the stones off garden throwing them every where and exposing the membrane.it throws my identy tags all over the place ,and even took out a cane from the ground .i want to get rid of this pest without hurting it .can you advise on what it is and maybe how to get rid of it please.thankyou ray.

-- Contributed by: ray

Roly poly bugs or pill bugs eat decaying vegetation.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I need to know if rolly poley bugs are harmful?

-- Contributed by: Enter your name here
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