Flea Beetle
Adult Flea Beetle
Leaf damage
Description
Very small beetles (not surprising given their name!). Mostly about 2mm long but big bugs can be 3-4mm. Commonly shiny black but some have a yellow stripe down each wing case, some even come in a dark metallic blue. Athletic little pests, they will jump off the leaves if they are disturbed, so go gently if you wish to make sure of catching them.
Symptoms
Certain species of the adult Flea Beetle are fond of Cabbages, Brussels Sprouts, Swede and other brassicas; some like Potatoes; others are equally fond of Wallflowers, Alyssum, Aubretia and Nasturtiums. Whatever the species they all eat little round holes in the leaves. Either that or they leave the holes part finished and the remaining tissue turns brownish white. It’s not just the adults. The larvae can also cause problems. They feed on the root systems of the plants concerned so if the plant is wilting as well as suffering from holed leaves - look underground.
Watch out for Fuchsias. The blue metallic Flea Beetle loves these plants and both the adult beetle and the larvae can be found feeding on leaves at the shoot tips.
Treatment and control
General tips
Beetles don’t like it wet so frequent watering will help keep them away.
Spray with a broad spectrum insecticide
Examples are BugClear Gun! for ornamental plants and edible plants as listed on the pack (contains bifenthrin) or BugClear Ultra (contains acetamiprod).
See also:
Related products:
- BugClear Ultra
- BugClear Ultra Gun!
- BugClear Gun!
- BugClear for Fruit & Veg
- BugClear Gun! for Fruit & Veg
Always read the label. Use pesticides safely.
Chemical Information
Children, Pets, Wildlife
Information on usage of pesticide when children, pets and/or wildlife are a consideration.
Chemical Usage, Storage, Disposal
Important advice on using chemicals in the garden, chemical storage and safe disposal.
