Carrot Beetles

Carrot beetles are insidious little pests that can transform a healthy plant into a dead plant overnight.

Carrot beetle description​

These pests are reddish-brown and 1/2 an inch long, as adults. The larvae are bluish-white and can be 1-1/4 inches long. Larvae have a dark head.

Carrot beetle (Frank Peairs, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org) CC BY 3.0 US

Carrot beetle damage

Carrot beetles (Ligyrus gibbosus) feed both above and below ground. They attack sunflowers, carrots, lilies, iris, and dahlia. Taproot feeding causes yellowing foliage (chlorosis), stunting, plant collapse, and death. Feeding damage may also be seen on lower (basal) leaves and stems.

Carrot beetle control

Adult beetles fly at night and are attracted to lights. You can reduce infestation by using row covers and keeping the garden unlit at night. You can also reduce hiding places by keeping mulch and decaying plant matter away from susceptible plants. Insecticides have not been effective at controlling these pests.