Flea Beetles
Family Chrysomelidae
The flea beetle is the generic name for a variety small jumping leaf beetle species. Primarily pests of vegetable crops, flea beetles can also cause significant damage to seedlings during propagation. Other common hosts include watermelon, pumpkins, peas, beans, eggplant, sweet potatoes, beets, spinach, and potatoes.
Flea beetles overwinter as adults either underground or in plant debris and are most active in spring. The adults lay eggs and larvae hatch to feed on new roots where they can stunt seedling growth. After this, larvae pupate and emerge as adults ready to feed and lay eggs. One to two generations per year is typical.
Flea Beetle Damage: Flea beetles are highly damaging in spring when young plants are most susceptible. Typical damage is identified by the "shothole" appearance of their feeding – irregular pits & holes in the leaves. Damage should not threaten mature plants; however, the beetles can leave plants vulnerable to bacterial diseases like wilts and blights (i.e. Stewarts Bacterial Wilt).
Flea Beetle Control:
- Use floating row covers as a barrier to prevent adults from getting to your plants.
- Apply Hb Beneficial Nematodes once adults emerge in spring to kill larvae in the soil.
- Surround WP (kaolin clay) prevents flea beetles from landing on your plants and deters feeding. Reapply as needed throughout the growing season once adults are spotted.
- BotaniGard Maxx & other B. bassiana sprays infect and kill adult flea beetles. Repeat applications as needed throughout the growing season.
Browse additional control options below or return to our Beetle Control page.
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