Andre CampbellIf you’re a seasoned gardener, you’ve dealt with carrot rust flies at some point. The larvae of these little insects can ruin your carrots and other root vegetables faster than you think.
But don’t worry; we’re here to help. There are several natural methods that you can try right at home to get rid of these pests.
Please keep reading for our top tips on how to get rid of carrot flies using natural methods.
What Are Carrot Rust Flies?
You’ve probably seen them before. Adult flies have greenish-black, glossy bodies, yellow legs, and orange heads.
The carrot rust fly, otherwise known as the carrot root fly, loves to lay its eggs near host plants [1], mainly carrots. When the eggs hatch, the larvae tunnel through the plants’ roots.
Some other crops that are most affected by carrot root fly larvae are parsnips, celery, and parsley.
If you’re still not sure if you’re dealing with this pest, you can always take a closer look at the damage done.
Wilted leaves, holes in the crop, and an overall decline in crop health are all signs that you may have a carrot fly problem.
How to Get Rid of Carrot Flies Naturally
If you see signs of carrot fly damage on susceptible crops, it’s time to take action. Below are some home remedies and natural control methods you can try.
1. Companion Planting
Companion planting is a great practice for fighting carrot root flies. You plant susceptible crops near other plants that will keep the flies away.
Plant French marigolds near your carrots because their scent may deter carrot flies. Other plants that repel carrot rust flies include onions, garlic, chives, and leeks.
2. Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is another option for dealing with many crop pests, including carrot flies. Avoid growing affected crops in the same planting area every year.
Switch up the crops you grow in that area. This will break the carrot rust fly life cycle and avoid re-infestation.
3. Avoid Thinning Out
You might be tempted to thin out your carrot plants, but this is one of the worst things you can do to avoid carrot pests.
When you thin out your carrots, you will most likely bruise the foliage, which releases a smell that attracts the critters.
4. Sow Late in the Season
You can also try sowing seeds late in the season. Doing so will prevent the adult flies from laying eggs around susceptible crops.
As a result, newly hatched larvae will not find what they need to feed on.
5. Do Not Plant Carrots Near Parsnips or Celery
Avoid planting carrots near other host plants, such as parsnips and celery.
The roots of these plants are a favorite food source for carrot fly larvae. Therefore, keeping them away from your carrots will reduce the chances of an infestation.
If you can’t avoid planting these other crops near your carrots, place a barrier between them, like a row of chives. This will help deter carrot flies.
6. Sticky Traps
Try using sticky traps to control carrot flies. Hang them above the planting area. The sticky traps will catch the adult flies.
7. Beneficial Nematodes
If you release beneficial nematodes in your garden, they will feast on the larvae of carrot flies and other soil-dwelling pests.
You can buy them at some garden centers or online. To use them, follow the instructions included in your purchase.
8. Row Covers
Row covers are transparent or semi-transparent, flexible materials that you can put over your plants.
They work by forming a protective barrier over your vegetables, which helps stop these pests from coming nearby.
You can buy them at most garden stores or make your own. However, make sure they fit snugly over your plants so there’s no space for the pests to get in.
9. Remove Affected Roots
Another carrot rust fly control method is to remove bad crops.
Carrot worms love to eat the roots of carrots and other host crops. So, if you can remove the damaged roots, you’ll be one step closer to keeping these pests under control.
Also, remove old carrots from the garden to keep the larvae from lingering. Be careful not to damage the healthy roots in the process.
10. Grow Carrots in Tall Planters
Another home remedy you can try is growing carrots in tall planters. This may reduce the incidence of these pests, and you’ll still be able to reap the benefits of growing in containers.
You can buy tall planters from garden stores or make your own from recycled materials.
11. Garlic Spray
The scent of garlic repels carrot pests and other garden insects, so they stay away from your plants.
So, consider spraying your crops with garlic for a quick home remedy to deter carrot flies.
Some simple recipes are online, but we have already put together an article on making garlic spray for plants. Go ahead and give this homemade carrot fly spray a try!
Takeaway
Organic farmers have several options for controlling carrot flies. They can use traps, repellents, or other organic techniques to keep the pests away.
Choose the method that works best for you, and follow the routine to prevent these pests from taking over your garden.
Sasha Campbell
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