Cultural control of bean seed fly

Bean seed fly larvae (maggots) kill French and runner bean seedlings by feeding on the roots. Most of the damage occurs in spring though successional sowings of beans can be attacked throughout summer.

Bean seed fly attacks are mainly avoided by sowing seedlings in seed trays or pots, only planting out after seed have germinated. Garden-sown beans can be protected with horticultural fleece or insect barrier netting.

Promptly  remove any seedling damaged by bean seed fly. Do not add this plant material to compost heaps or bins.

There are no insecticides for bean seed fly available for the home gardener.