What's eating my carrot?

Carrots are targeted by carrot fly (the worst threat), aphids, slugs, and wireworms. Underground larvae tunnel through roots; aphids distort foliage. Protect with fine mesh fleece barriers, crop rotation, and slug controls. Deer and rabbits will graze the feathery tops if the patch is unprotected.

Rusty brown tunnels and galleries through the root flesh; seedlings wilt and collapse Cover crops with fine insect-proof mesh (0.8 mm) from sowing to harvest; rotate beds annually; avoid thinning in warm weather which releases scent that attracts flies

Foliage curls and yellows; honeydew leads to sooty mould; can transmit carrot motley dwarf virus Encourage ladybirds and lacewings; spray colonies with insecticidal soap or a strong water jet; remove heavily infested leaves

Ragged holes and slime trails on young foliage and exposed crown; seedlings can be destroyed overnight Use iron phosphate pellets, lay copper tape around raised beds, or use beer traps; hand-pick at night

Thin tunnels bored along the length of the root, leaving entry holes that allow rotting Cultivate soil thoroughly before sowing to expose larvae to birds; avoid planting in recently turfed ground; trapping with buried carrot chunks helps monitor populations