Narcissus bulb fly
PEST
When it's active · UK
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When it's active · Northern Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Central Italy
JFMAMJJASOND
When it's active · Southern Italy and islands
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How to recognise it
Bulbs that feel soft and light for their size when lifted, with a single fat maggot inside instead of viable growth; affected bulbs fail to flower.
Life cycle and conditions
Adult flies lay eggs at the base of dying foliage in late spring/early summer; the larva tunnels into the bulb and feeds over summer.
Prevention
Earth up soil over dying foliage to make it harder for flies to reach the bulb neck; lift and inspect any bulbs that failed to flower.
How to treat it
🌿 ORGANIC · RECOMMENDED
Remove and dispose of affected bulbs, and earth up over dying foliage next season to block egg-laying access — both fully non-chemical and effective.
🧪 CHEMICAL · IF YOU CHOOSE
No effective chemical treatment is available to amateur gardeners for this pest — prevention and removing affected bulbs is the whole strategy.
PLANTS MOST AFFECTED
Narcissusother bulbs
IN THE CARE SHEETS
Daffodil