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Pest SolutionsPESTS + WEEDSUSING PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES?
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Garden Symphylans
Scutigerella immaculata
Updated May 06, 2025
Make a Positive Identification
- Garden symphylans are small, white, centipede-like soil arthropods under ½” long.
- They are fast moving and they disappear quickly when disturbed.
- Symphylans cause damage to plants by feeding on their roots.
Species: Garden symphylan
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
OSU Special Collections & Archives Research Center, Oregon State University. "Scutigerella immaculata (Garden symphylan)" Oregon Digital. 22 Feb 2023. https://oregondigital.org/concern/images/df718747w
Adult garden symphylans are small, white, centipede-like soil arthropods about ¼ inch long. They have 6 to 12 pairs of legs (depending on age). They are smaller than and have fewer legs than centipedes. Their prominent antennae are bead-like with numerous segments. They live in the soil. They move and hide quickly when disturbed.
Species: Garden symphylan
© Ken Gray Insect Image Collection
OSU Special Collections & Archives Research Center, Oregon State University. (22 Feb 2023). Scutigerella immaculata (Garden symphylan) Retrieved from https://oregondigital.org/concern/images/df718749f
Symphylans chew holes in roots or gnaw at the surface. They eat fine root hairs. Small, corky calluses develop over the injured tissue. Attacked roots look galled and gnarled.
Species: Garden symphylan
Amy Dreves, Oregon State University
Examine Roots to detect symphylans in the soil:
Dig up stunted plants and weeds in the morning; examine their roots for symphylans. Fine root hairs may be missing. Roots may be distorted and scabbed.
Species:
"Shovel with soil" by ColaLife is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Soil Sampling to detect symphylans in the soil
Take a soil sample with a shovel down to a depth of 8 inches. Examine for symphylans.
This works best if the soil is cool or very dry, and covered by vegetation.
Species:
Signe Danler, Oregon State University
Baiting to detect symphylans in the soil:
Place a potato half cut side down on the soil surface. Cover with a plastic bowl for one to three days. Count the garden symphylans on the soil under the bowl. Then count the garden symphylans on the bait.
More than five symphylans per bait usually indicate they will harm the crop.
This works best if the soil is warm and moist with little or no vegetation.
LOOK-ALIKES: SPRINGTAILS AND CENTIPEDES
Species: Springtail
Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org
Garden symphylans can be mistaken for springtails. Springtails have only three pairs of legs, while symphylans have 6 to 12 pairs. Their antennae are shorter than symphylans’, and they are slower moving.
Species: Centipede
"Soil Centipede Mother With Offspring" by Katja Schulz is licensed under CC BY 2.0
In this photo, baby centipedes could be mistaken for symphylans, but they have more legs.
Garden symphylans have 6 to 12 pairs of legs (depending on age). They are white and are under 1/2 inch long.
Centipedes have 15 or many more pairs of legs. They are brown or other colors and are larger.
Garden Symphylans Benefits
Symphylans are a food source for true centipedes, predatory mites, predaceous ground beetles, and various fungi.
Garden Symphylans Risks
Symphylans cause seedling death, poor growth, stunted plants, reduced vigor, and reduced yields.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
None
Property
Low
Pets
None
Annoyance
Some
Environment
None
Action Optional
Take Action?
Take action to reduce symphylan populations if you can’t tolerate the damage.
Do I need to take action?
- No simple, inexpensive, and completely reliable method of controlling garden symphylans has been developed.
- No method will eradicate them from a site.
- The effect of most tactics will not last more than one to three years.
- Symphylans often occur in a limited area from a few square feet to several acres. The infested area may stay consistent from year to year with little spread.
What if I do nothing?
- The damage may get worse as the population grows.
Prevent Garden Symphylans
"row of green bush bean seedlings, 26 June 2013" by mwms1916 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Plant resistant crops
- Garden symphylans rarely damage beans and potatoes, even with high populations.
- Planting potatoes may reduce symphylan populations enough for another crop to grow.
- Crops that are most susceptible to damage include broccoli and other brassica crops, spinach, beets, onions, carrots, corn, and squash. These could be planted after potatoes.
- Larger-seeded crops (like beans) tend to be more resistant to garden symphylans than smaller-seeded crops (like brassicas).
- Some varieties of a crop may be more resistant to damage than others.
Signe Danler, Oregon State University
Use larger transplants
- Large transplants resist symphylan damage better than small transplants or direct-seeding.
- Under high garden symphylan populations, even large transplants may be damaged.
"Basilikum (Ocimum basilicum)" by blumenbiene is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Increase seeding rates
- To help establish plants in infested soils, increase seeding rates.
- Plant seeds when the weather is warm enough for fast germination and seedling growth.
Signe Danler, Oregon State University
Soil Compaction
- Pack down the soil surface after planting. This may reduce symphylan populations by making it harder for them to move through the soil.
- Don’t compact soil so much that it impairs root growth.
Solutions for Garden Symphylans
Non-chemical Methods
- Use a combination of methods to reduce symphylan populations.
- Tilling, crop rotation, and flooding can be effective.
Chemical methods (insecticides)
- The effect of insecticides on symphylans is limited. They can migrate deep into the soil, then return.
- Use of insecticides may give the plants a chance to establish before symphylans move back.
- Less toxic pesticides have not been shown to provide acceptable control.
- Tillage plus approved pesticides may be the most effective.
Soil fumigants
- Soil fumigants are hazardous.
- They should be applied only by experienced commercial growers or licensed pesticide applicators.
NEED HELP?
Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Jump to
| Method | Does it work? | Is it safe? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
A Tilling, Crop Rotation, Flooding |
Somewhat effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
B Control with Insecticides |
Somewhat effective |
Moderate risk |
Not Recommended |
|
C If Using Insecticides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
|
A
Tilling, Crop Rotation, Flooding
Non-Chemical Method
"Symphylans illustration" by n_yoder is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Tilling, Crop Rotation, Flooding
Recommended
- Tilling, crop rotation and flooding can provide some control.
- Control can be extremely difficult. Symphylans move vertically in the soil, making it difficult to collect samples.
- There are no simple, effective control methods.
| Does it work? | Somewhat effective |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort |
| What's the risk? | Low risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
"Rototiller trial run" by Richmond Farm School is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Signe Danler, Oregon State University
"Flood irrigation in the Valencia gardens, Eastern Spain" by Artemi Cerdà is licensed under CC BY 3.0 (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)
B
Control with Insecticides
Chemical Method: Use with caution
iStock
Control with Insecticides
Not Recommended
- Products can reduce populations but will not completely control symphylans.
- Use of insecticides may give the plants a chance to establish before symphylans return.
| Does it work? | Somewhat effective
|
| How much effort? | Moderate effort |
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk
|
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | Using pesticides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods. You may be exposed to a pesticide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
Some products are available for home use. These products, used individually or in a mixture, are somewhat effective chemical treatments for garden symphylans. Look for these chemical names in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.
- Garlic oil/powder
- Peppermint oil plus Rosemary oil
- Pyrethrins
- Bifenthrin
Suggested active ingredients are from the Pesticide Information Center Online (PICOL) Database. They are permitted for HOME use in Oregon. Read the label for application directions and effectiveness information.
ONLY professional pesticide applicators can use Restricted-Use Pesticides (RUP) that may be more effective. If you need further support, contact a licensed pesticide applicator.
Insecticide Application Tips
- Insecticides may be intended to kill or repel symphylans.
- Apply just before planting. Spot treatments may be adequate.
- Less toxic insecticides have not been shown to provide acceptable control of symphylans.
- Read the label carefully for application and frequency details.
- Some insecticides are highly toxic to bees. Do not spray onto blooming crops. Do not allow to drift onto blooming crops or weeds when bees are active.
- Using insecticides comes with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know.
If Using Insecticides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
Chemical Method: Use with Caution
FangXiaNuo, iStock
Why Is It Important to Read Insecticide Labels?
- They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
- They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
- They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
Key Safety Tips for Insecticides
- Read the entire label front to back. Follow the instructions.
- Review the instructions even for brands you know.
- Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.
The Label is the Law
ALWAYS read the label before using insecticide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the insecticide. It includes appropriate personal protective gear and application methods. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an insecticide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.
READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.
- Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
- Use a magnifying glass for small print.
- Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
- Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
- The law states you must read and follow insecticide instructions.
Protect Yourself
Eye, skin, & lung irritants
- Wear the right protective gear. This often includes, but is not limited to: a long-sleeved shirt, pants, socks, closed shoes, safety glasses, and chemical-resistant gloves.
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
- Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
- Never spray directly overhead. Pay attention to wind conditions.
Protect Children & Pets
Keep out of the reach of children.
- Keep children and pets away from the application area (read label for how long).
- Remove toys and pet dishes from the area before applying insecticides. Wait until spray has dried or dust has settled.
Protect Pollinators
Many insecticides are extremely toxic to bees.
- Honey bees and other pollinators are harmed by most insecticides.
- Don’t spray on bees or other flying insects.
- Don’t allow spray to contact blooming plants.
Storage & Disposal
- Store out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
- Never pour down any drain.
- If you mix too much, apply it rather than storing it.
- Don’t put pesticide containers in the trash unless instructed by the label.
- Take unused insecticides to a hazardous waste facility.
Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of pesticides.
For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call 503-234-3000, email or visit Metro’s website
More about:
About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon
If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management (Oregon Department of Agriculture).
NEED HELP?
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu
Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Content provided by writers Signe Danler and Jeremiah Mann and editor Weston Miller. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.
Peer review facilitated by OSU Department of Horticulture.
GARDEN SYMPHYLAN REFERENCES
Biology and Control of the Garden Symphylan
Strawberry - Garden Symphylan
Vegetable crop pests-Garden symphylan
PNW Insect Management Handbook
Invertebrate Pest Management for Pacific Northwest Pastures
Oregon State University Extension
Symphylans: Soil Pest Management Options
ATTRA
Cole Crops: Garden Symphylans
University of California IPM