Beet leaf minor through mesh

[Marb67]

Well for the life of me I just can't understand how beet leaf minor has got to my small plated beetroots as they have mesh protecting them. There were no previous sowings in that spot for them to have emerged from the soil so it's a mystery. I have picked off all the infected leaves and destroyed but I bet tomorrow there will be more. Pretty soul destroying when I take precautions

Anyone else had them this early ?

[Marb67]

122 views and no response

[Greenleaves]

Perhaps it's the constant denial of any advice given Marb?

[DannyK]

I was looking for a solution as I'm soon to plant out my chard.

[Scarlet]

Just keep picking the leaves and destroying them. ...it doesn’t affect the root so with beetroot you will be ok. I don’t find they bother with chard Danny.

[veggiechicken]

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=859
According to the RHS, the larvae overwinter in the soil, so netting will only work to keep the flies out (or the hatched larvae in.)
Not much help, is it?

[Marb67]

It is helpful VC as I am finding the flies in the netting and squashing them as well as removing the infected leaves so up to now it seems to be working. Am I right in thinking they look like house flies with orangy coloured bodies ?

[veggiechicken]

I don't know what colour they are but RHS say they look like small house flies. Maybe you've actually trapped them so keeping a close eye on the netting and squashing whatever you find will sort it - or at least stop any outsiders getting to them.
Hope it works - fingers crossed.

[Lumpy]

122 views and no response

MODS please delete if this is unsuitable......

Marb, maybe the lack of initial replies is because the only time you seem to post is because of a problem.
How about offering your growing experience on other threads where you could trumpet your successes or add to a particular variety you have tried.
How about commenting on the threads of the new growers in a positive way?
I don’t expect birthday wishes on the general thread but as a growing forum contribution for others is a major part of this sites success.

Gone on be a devil and enter the Vine Virtual Show when it opens and let us all enjoy your successes. We all have problems but.....,.