Chamaepsila rosae , aka cultivated carrot root fly or just carrot fly , is an worm strike not only carrots , but Pastinaca sativa , Petroselinum crispum , and Apium graveolens dulce , too . Keep read to find out how to stop this crop killer !
How Carrot Fly Attacks Your Crop
Daucus carota sativa flies are attracted by the strong aroma give off by your uprise plants , particularly carrots . fledged flies lie eggs on the dry land around yourgrowing carrots . When these testicle dream up , the emerging larva make their way underground and into your crop ’s root . Since these maggot are small – in the main less than half an inch long – they are ordinarily able to do their burrowing unnoticed .
Once the carrot fly larvae progress to your plant , they burrow under the pelt of the etymon and initiate eating . This is where the damage from these creatures gets forged ; root damage can kill your carrot !
How to Tell if You Have a Carrot Fly Problem
You ’ll ordinarily see a spate in carrot fly eggs in mid - spring and again in mid - summertime . Since the larva are little , and the adults incline to commingle in with other quick insect , you want to be mindful of the signs of carrot fly larvae infestation . These admit :
Prevention is the Best Medicine
It ’s just to prevent carrot wing infestation than trying to direct it after the fact . The focus is hold back the adult flies from lay their eggs in your carrot darn , as well as discourage egg level .
associate plantssuch as Allium cepa , garlic , and schnittlaugh will hide the enticing aroma of carrot with their own smell . This will steer the grownup cultivated carrot aviate away from your garden . Rosemary , sage , and marigold are also thought to deter carrot fly .
Carrot flies also like parsley , turnip , and celery ; works these far from your carrots and use companion plants with them . This can importantly reduce the chance of your garden becoming a carrot fly fostering ground .
Erecting a ok - mesh type barrier or , well yet a cage , at least two groundwork marvelous , around and over your plants will help keep the female from leave her orchis near your carrot . Be certain the bottom of your barrier touches the land or buried slightly , as larvae crosshatch on the earth so they will not be capable to crawl to your cultivated carrot .
To kill these little critter organically , you’re able to grease one’s palms good nematodes to add to your garden ; these will pop the invading larvae without damage your plants or adding chemicals to your crop .
