Pest identification
What's eating my carrot 'atomic red'?
Carrot root fly (Psila rosae)
Signs: Brown rusty channels through roots; plants wilt; roots inedible or prone to secondary rot.
Control: Cover with insect-proof mesh (Enviromesh or similar) immediately after sowing. Delay thinning until evening and remove thinnings from site.
Willow-carrot aphid (Cavariella aegopodii)
Signs: Curled, yellowed leaves; sticky honeydew; risk of carrot motley dwarf virus transmission.
Control: Insect mesh is the primary barrier. Spray exposed plants with insecticidal soap or soft-soap solution.
Slugs & snails
Signs: Irregular surface damage and shallow burrowing on forming roots; seedlings eaten off.
Control: Iron phosphate pellets at sowing. Avoid heavy mulching directly over rows. Hand-pick at night.
Keep carrot 'atomic red' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Carrot 'Atomic Red' pests — FAQ
What is eating my carrot 'atomic red'?
Carrot 'Atomic Red' is most seriously damaged by carrot root fly, whose larvae tunnel through the vibrant red roots and ruin them for eating. Aphids and slugs also attack foliage and young roots. Grow under insect-proof mesh throughout the season — it is the single most effective control for this crop.
How do I get rid of carrot root fly (psila rosae) on carrot 'atomic red'?
Brown rusty channels through roots; plants wilt; roots inedible or prone to secondary rot. Cover with insect-proof mesh (Enviromesh or similar) immediately after sowing. Delay thinning until evening and remove thinnings from site.
How do I get rid of willow-carrot aphid (cavariella aegopodii) on carrot 'atomic red'?
Curled, yellowed leaves; sticky honeydew; risk of carrot motley dwarf virus transmission. Insect mesh is the primary barrier. Spray exposed plants with insecticidal soap or soft-soap solution.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on carrot 'atomic red'?
Irregular surface damage and shallow burrowing on forming roots; seedlings eaten off. Iron phosphate pellets at sowing. Avoid heavy mulching directly over rows. Hand-pick at night.