Insecticide for Onion Maggots

Onion maggots are pests that can destroy an entire crop of onions. Although insecticides have been used to kill onion maggots, in some areas the maggots have developed resistance to certain granular forms of insecticide.

Function

Placement and timing of insecticides is essential when it comes to controlling onion maggots. Granular treatment will work before the maggots become adults, but after that you must also use a spray insecticide.

Types

Tefluthrin and chlorpyrifos are the most effective insecticides against onion maggots, according to Malheur Agricultural Experiment Station. Chlorpyrifos, however, can be toxic to plants, making tefluthrin a better choice.

Considerations

Removal of all onion debris after the growing season is a key step toward preventing a re-emergence of onion maggots. Without any onions in the field, the maggots will not survive.

References

• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture: Onion Maggot Control
• Malheur Agricultural Experiment Station: Onion Maggot Control