weird translucent worms inside a rotting maple

mspahr

I have a maple tree that is in very bad condition. I have been told by arborists that have looked at it in the past that at some point it was badly damaged by someone who didn't know enough about trees,and cut them back way too far. Right at the base of the main trunk, where the large boughs begin to branch off, there is literally a large hole that goes down about a foot into the trunk. This hole has, over time, collected water and leaves, and who know what else. Today I decided to take a peek inside and was horrified at what I found. The inside looked like a rotting cesspool, which it esentially has become. I took a trowel and started digging some of this brownish goop out. Inside I found many of these disgusting translucent worms that are about 1/2 inches long. They kind of look like some kind of larvae, but the weirdest part is that they have this long "string" that hangs an inch, to an inch and a half from their back end. I know that these critters aren't what has caused the damage to the tree but they certainly aren't helping and I have never seen anything like this. Can anyone give me some suggestions as to what they are?

MoDirt

could be round worms. Best to not eat them to find out though.

They should be the same kind a cat,dog,sheep,you or me could get in our belly's if we eat wet grass and/or don't wash our home grown veggies before eating them.

If I am wrong run and don't ever stop.

Brent Ferris

They might be roundworms, or just larvae that eat rotting wood. clean out the gunk, and if you are concerned about water and crap collecting drill a 1/2" hole at about 45 deg upwards to intersect the hole, and install a piece of rubber or plastic hose extending out from the trunk 3-4 inches and allow the water to drain. Sometimes coarse hardware cloth (like 1/4" or 1/2") is used to cover the hole and reduce the catching of leaves,

For identification, send a pic to an entomologist -- likely to have a better idea of what it is,

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Patsy

I might be a bit late with my reply but I am a newbie
These worms sound like what we have here in Australia. We have a septic toilet and when we first moved here I was a bit freaked out to find these critters climbing out of our toilet. I called the Melbourne Zoo and someone helpful there explained to me they were the very beneficial Hover fly. They really do hover but otherwise look similar to a bee. They help break down yukky stuff so I am thinking they are actually trying to help your tree. Only problem is they come in the house and pupate here somewhere!!!
The tail you have noticed is a breathing tube so they can survive in liquid.
I would be tempted to put some cement powder down that waterlogged area if I were you and have seen this done several times with success and if the tree looks like it is about to die anyway you have nothing to lose maybe?

MoDirt

I think Patsy got it. I completly forgot about the Syrphid Fly.
Not only will they benefit your tree but your whole garden.

Once you can ID them you will stop swatting too. I still take the odd swipe now and again.

Patsy

Syrphid it is then. They break down things that need it They still freak me out after 16 years of trying to live with them but I just have to remind myself they are the good guys....like the leeches in our dam!!! When they breed in my house 'somewhere' and then pupate and turn in to the big fat fly they all go gather at a window and I just let them out to do more good work!!! Do I sound comfortable with all this? I am just sucking up my revulsion