Rat Tailed maggots.

[Good Gourd 2]

I have just found out that they are rat tailed maggots, will it  be okay to used the tea next year or is there a risk to humans. :o

[Good Gourd 2]

[OllieC]

It'll be fine!

[Digeroo]

Nettle tea is very prone to them.  I poured one lot over the veg patch, smelt terrible, but the robins and blackbirds thought it was great, by next morning there was no sign of them.  Another batch was heaving in them, and suddenly they all disappeared and a huge frog jumped out. 

[Robert_Brenchley]

Rat tailed maggots are harmless to humans unless the fly lays its eggs on your bum and they get up your backside. If you do put any on your beds they'll just feed some of the local wildlife.

[Good Gourd 2]

Thanks everyone my mind is at rest, did not want to poison us. Every cloud at least we shall feed the birds.  :)

[Vinlander]

They grow into harmless hoverflies that pollinate flowers.

Apparently half of hoverfly species have larvae that do a great job eating pests like aphids - unfortunately this species is among those that don't eat aphids...

Ho hum. 

Though hey probably do a good job cleaning up smelly stuff (just like ordinary maggots)  - with the benefit that they don't turn into horrible flies around your picnic.

Cheers

[pumkinlover]

Thanks for info. I make a rhubarb and tea leaf "tea" to acidify my blueberries and noticed them in there. got to admire any life form that lives in that foul concotion. As long as they keep away from my :-X