Is This Common?
Yes, especially in homegrown, farmers market, or organic berries where pesticide use is minimal or absent. Even commercially grown strawberries can occasionally harbor larvae, though strict agricultural controls reduce the likelihood.
The larvae are usually:
Very small (a few millimeters long)
White or translucent
Soft-bodied and legless
Are They Harmful?
While unpleasant to see, these larvae are not known to be dangerous if accidentally consumed. In fact, people may unknowingly eat them from time to time without issue.
However, most people understandably prefer not to.
