Pest identification
What's eating my chantenay carrot?
Carrot fly (Psila rosae)
Signs: Brown, rust-coloured tunnels through shoulders and core; in severe cases the root rots
Control: Insect-proof mesh or fleece; sow in blocks rather than rows (thinning scent is concentrated in rows); rotate beds annually
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged gouging on the broad root shoulders exposed at or near the soil surface
Control: Iron phosphate pellets; keep soil surface slightly dry; hand-pick in evening
Willow-carrot aphid (Cavariella aegopodii)
Signs: Sticky, distorted foliage; reduced plant vigor
Control: Insecticidal soap spray; interplant with onions or chives to mask carrot scent and deter aphids
Keep chantenay carrot pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats carrot — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats chantenay carrot — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common chantenay carrot problems & fixes
- Chantenay Carrot watering schedule
- Chantenay Carrot light requirements
- Full chantenay carrot care guide
Chantenay Carrot pests — FAQ
What is eating my chantenay carrot?
Chantenay carrots are stout and broad-shouldered, and their chunky roots are attractive targets for carrot fly larvae and slugs near the soil surface. Aphids also colonise the foliage. The short, wide shape means larvae tunneling in from the shoulder can damage a larger proportion of the edible root than in slender types.
How do I get rid of carrot fly (psila rosae) on chantenay carrot?
Brown, rust-coloured tunnels through shoulders and core; in severe cases the root rots Insect-proof mesh or fleece; sow in blocks rather than rows (thinning scent is concentrated in rows); rotate beds annually
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on chantenay carrot?
Ragged gouging on the broad root shoulders exposed at or near the soil surface Iron phosphate pellets; keep soil surface slightly dry; hand-pick in evening
How do I get rid of willow-carrot aphid (cavariella aegopodii) on chantenay carrot?
Sticky, distorted foliage; reduced plant vigor Insecticidal soap spray; interplant with onions or chives to mask carrot scent and deter aphids