Carrot fly
Pest Low-flying flies whose maggots tunnel into carrots, parsnips and celery roots.
What to look for
Reddening or yellowing foliage and rusty-brown tunnels in the roots, with small pale maggots. Parsnip, celery and parsley can be attacked as well as carrots.
When: May to June and August to September.
How to prevent it
- Surround the bed with a 60 cm high barrier of fine mesh or fleece, as the flies fly low.
- Cover with fine mesh from sowing.
- Sow after mid-May or in late summer to miss the first egg-laying flight.
- Thin in the evening, bury the thinnings and avoid bruising foliage, as the smell attracts flies.
- Choose resistant varieties such as Flyaway or Resistafly.
How to deal with it
- There is nothing to spray, so prevention is key.
- Lift crops early if damage is spotted and cut away the damaged parts of otherwise good roots.
Crops it affects
If you choose to use any treatment, use only products approved for UK home gardens, follow the label and avoid spraying open flowers. See all pests and diseases.