Wireworms are beetle larva that are found in soil where they feed on roots.
They are yellowish brown, thin worms that have a shiny, tough skin. Only the larval stage causes damage. As plants mature, wireworms may girdle the stem. Be sure to dig around the plant and look for wireworm larvae to confirm that they are the cause of injury. Damage from wireworm infestations to the crop when it is in the seedling stage can sometimes be reduced by replanting.