TROUBLESHOOTING
FLEA BEETLES

 

FLEA BEETLES

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

Flea beetles are relatively small, and can range in size from 1/16” to 1/4” long. They can be brown. blue, black, bronze, and grey — some even have stripes! These small beetles have large back legs that they use to jump, much like a common flea!

Flea beetles chew small irregular holes into the leaves and stems of plants. If the infestation is bad enough you may also see wilted leaves.

HOW IT HURTS:

Though it may look a bit unsightly, flea beetles typically do not cause fatal damage to established plants with their chewing. However, they can cause leaves to wilt, and the plant to become stunted. The biggest threat they pose is by spreading bacterial diseases such as wilt and blight from plant to plant.

HOW TO HELP:

It is not recommended to use synthetic or harmful pesticides — especially inside! You don’t want those kinds of chemicals on the food you eat, or to breathe them in if you spray inside your home. Outside, pesticides (including organic ones) can harm beneficial insects such as bees, so it’s best to use sparingly — or try to find other methods.

  1. Use insecticidal soap:
    Either buy an organic insecticidal soap, or create your own by combining 2.5 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2.5 tablespoons of liquid dish soap (such as Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap) with 1 gallon of distilled water. Put the soap into a clean and empty spray bottle and spray the entire plant (including both sides of the leaves!) Re-apply if your plant is outside and has been rained on.

  2. Use neem oil:
    Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide created from the seeds of the neem tree. It can be strong smelling and would be better for outside applications. You may need to re-apply if your plant is outside and has been rained on.

  3. Use yellow sticky traps:
    You can purchase yellow sticky traps online, through a local home improvement store or plant nursery. These work by trapping insects in a sticky substance. Be aware that sticky traps can trap beneficial bugs as well.

  4. Insect fabric:
    Fine mesh fabric can be placed on a frame over the plant to keep the pests out.