Pest identification
What's eating my nantes carrot?
Carrot fly (Psila rosae)
Signs: Brown tunnels through root; wilting tops; stunted, forked roots in heavy infestations
Control: Erect a 60–90 cm solid barrier around the bed (carrot fly flies low) or use insect-proof fleece; avoid disturbing plants mid-season
Willow-carrot aphid (Cavariella aegopodii)
Signs: Curled, yellowed leaflets; stunted plants; honeydew encourages sooty mold
Control: Reflective silver mulch deters winged aphids; use insecticidal soap if colonies establish
Slugs and snails
Signs: Shallow surface gouges on root shoulders; complete loss of small seedlings
Control: Evening patrols with hand-picking; iron phosphate pellets; copper-tape pot collars for raised beds
Keep nantes carrot pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats carrot — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats nantes carrot — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common nantes carrot problems & fixes
- Nantes Carrot watering schedule
- Nantes Carrot light requirements
- Full nantes carrot care guide
Nantes Carrot pests — FAQ
What is eating my nantes carrot?
Nantes carrots — slim, blunt-tipped, and near-coreless — are just as susceptible to carrot fly as other varieties. Their smooth skin makes larval entry points easy to spot at harvest. Aphids and slugs cause secondary damage. Nantes is not particularly resistant to any pest, so physical exclusion with row covers remains essential.
How do I get rid of carrot fly (psila rosae) on nantes carrot?
Brown tunnels through root; wilting tops; stunted, forked roots in heavy infestations Erect a 60–90 cm solid barrier around the bed (carrot fly flies low) or use insect-proof fleece; avoid disturbing plants mid-season
How do I get rid of willow-carrot aphid (cavariella aegopodii) on nantes carrot?
Curled, yellowed leaflets; stunted plants; honeydew encourages sooty mold Reflective silver mulch deters winged aphids; use insecticidal soap if colonies establish
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on nantes carrot?
Shallow surface gouges on root shoulders; complete loss of small seedlings Evening patrols with hand-picking; iron phosphate pellets; copper-tape pot collars for raised beds