What's eating my pea?

Peas face a persistent threat from pea moths whose larvae feed inside pods on developing seeds. Aphids colonize growing tips rapidly in spring. Pea and bean weevil notches leaf edges. Pigeons and mice can destroy seedlings and even dig up germinating seeds. Early sowing under cover avoids peak moth flight.

Caterpillars inside pods feeding on seeds; infested pods visible at harvest; no external damage until opened Sow early (before June) or late to avoid peak moth flight; use pheromone traps to time emergence; cover with fine netting during flowering

Large green aphids on growing tips and stems; distorted growth; honeydew; can transmit pea viruses Blast off with water; apply insecticidal soap; encourage parasitic wasps; remove and compost spent haulms promptly

U-shaped notches around leaf margins; adult feeding rarely fatal but larvae feed on nitrogen-fixing root nodules Rarely requires treatment; ensure good seedbed and vigorous early growth; netting helps exclude adults

Seedlings stripped to bare stalks; germinating seeds dug up; young shoots eaten down to ground level Cover with netting or fleece immediately after sowing; use criss-crossed string or CD deterrents; netting is the only reliable solution