Small Garden Carrot Root Fly Killer Nematodes

*Pre-order now to be automatically sent the nematodes in the summer when temperatures become appropriate for the treatment of Carrot Root Fly larvae*

What Are Carrot Root Flies?

The Carrot Root Fly (Psila rosae) can be a severe pest to Carrot crops. Adult Carrot Root Fly emerge from pupae in the soil from April and will then lay fresh eggs. Those eggs will hatch into creamy coloured larvae after about 7 days, depending on the weather. The larvae will move through the soil to the Carrot plants and start feeding on the roots, eventually burrowing into the Carrot roots forming mines. The first symptoms are a reddening of the Carrot leaves, which start to wilt. The larvae will leave carrots with extensive damage and disfiguration. 

How Do I Identify Carrot Root Flies?

The Carrot Root Fly is small, measuring 5-8mm in length, and has a black body with a yellow head. The flies have red eyes and pale yellow legs, with clear coloured wings. Eggs are laid in the soil surface around the Carrot plants.

What Are Carrot Root Fly Killer Nematodes & How Can They Help?

For control of Carrot Root Fly larvae, apply our Carrot Root Fly Killer, which contains microscopic nematodes that can be watered into soil and raised beds. The nematodes find and enter the Carrot Root Fly larvae, releasing a bacteria that kills them. The nematodes then use the body of the larvae to reproduce in, releasing more nematodes into the surrounding area. Carrot Root Fly nematodes will stay active in the soil for about 3-4 weeks, and may need reapplying to counter any fresh infestations of Carrot Root Fly.

Adult Carrot Root Flies can also be monitored and caught on our Carrot Fly Sticky Trap Kits.

Use Small Garden Cutworm Killer To Combat Carrot Root Flies Identified In Smaller Raised Beds & Vegetable Plots

Our Small Garden Carrot Root Fly Killer Nematodes are ideal for those looking to treat and protect a smaller surface area of raised beds or vegetable plots infested with Carrot Root Flies.

We have two unit options available to purchase:

- The 10 Square Metre Pack which includes 5 Million Nematodes

- The 20 Square Metre Pack which includes 10 Million Nematodes

When Should I Apply The Nematodes?

There are normally two generations of Carrot Root fly a year. For best results apply Carrot Root Fly Killer nematodes from May to June and August to October. 

How Many Nematodes Do I Need?

These Small Garden range pack sizes have been specifically designed to treat areas of up to 10 and 20 square metres. This makes the packs more suited for treating smaller gardens, and individual plants, or for targeted treatment of particular sites of infestation.

If looking to treat larger areas, or heavier infestations of Carrot Root Fly, see our standard sized Carrot Root Fly Killer Nematodes which are available in 4 larger treatment sizes.

What Conditions Do The Nematodes Require?

Choose a humid or wet day to apply your Carrot Root Fly Killer Nematodes. Nematodes are UV-sensitive and will not survive long when exposed to bright, sunny conditions. Apply the nematodes early in the morning or early in the evening in order to utilise the optimum humidity levels. 

How Do I Apply The Nematodes?

(The following instruction measurements apply to the 10m² pack)

1. Open pack and empty entire contents into 0.5 litres of lukewarm water in a bucket. Mix and break up any lumps. This ensures even distribution of nematodes in solution.

2. Take 0.5 litres of solution and add to watering can with up to 10 litres of clean water. One pack will make 1 watering can (including concentrate solution).

3. Apply to your vegetable beds using a coarse rose / nozzle. One watering can treat up to 10 square metres. The nematodes can also be applied with some hose end feeder / nematode applicators & sprayers such as our Nema Super Sprayer.

Water area treated after use and keep moist for a week after application. Repeat application, if required, every four weeks until no more Carrot Root Flies are present.

Full application instructions are provided on delivery.

Can I Store Nematodes?

You can store unopened nematode packs in a fridge but it is best to ensure you apply your nematodes as soon as possible for the best results.

Carrot Root Fly Killer Nematodes are harmless to humans, pets and wildlife, and safe to apply to edible plants.