Need help identifying a worm like pest

caz2703

We've recently laid a sand coloured patio and the last few days there have been quite a few worm like things on it. This morning alone there were close to a dozen and I'm worried as the dog has eaten a couple.

The 'things' are around 1" long and a few millimetres thick. They're dark in colour, almost black, and both ends appear to be a deep black. The end that is being dragged would remind you of a leech as there are 2 or 3 antenna like protrusions. They also crawl strangely in that they seem to roll slightly to the side then right themselves before they move forward again but they don't have a flat crawling body, very cylindrical like a worm and no legs.

Any ideas what we're dealing with? They seem to appear overnight if that helps?

rhiwfield

Intriguing!

From your description I guess slugs, baby slow-worms, millipedes, flatworms and leeches are not what you have.

Sometiomes leatherjacket larvae are blackish and have darker ends and protuberances at one end. Could this be it?

caz2703

You've hit the nail on the head. Thank you so much :beer:

Now to investigate if we should try to get rid of them and if there are any consequences to the dog eating them!!

Thank you again

sassyblue

caz2703 wrote: »

You've hit the nail on the head. Thank you so much :beer:

Now to investigate if we should try to get rid of them and if there are any consequences to the dog eating them!!

Thank you again

You DEFINITELY need to get rid of them especially if you have lawns otherwise they'll eat the roots of the grass....

http://www.gardenseeker.com/lawns/leatherjackets_in_lawns.htm

caz2703

Our lawn isn't in the best state anyway but I'll send the hubby out to get a closer look. Not noticed them on the grass, only the patio but better safe than sorry.

Thanks for the replies guys.