Marin Rose Society

FAST FACTS - FLEA BEETLES
by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian

SIGNS

Small (1/10 inch), black, brown or bronze insect with enlarged hind legs found on leaves, buds and open blooms of many vegetables, fruit (including grapes), flowers, and weeds that jump like a flea

SYMPTOMS

Small "shotholes" in the foliage (adults)

“Snaky” markings on potatoes and other root crops (larvae)

CAUSE

Larvae and adult forms of flea beetles belonging to the family Chrysomelidae, found throughout North America

OPTIMAL CONDITIONS

Typically become active during warm days

Multiple generations per year in warm climates

Like to hide in cool, weedy areas

TREATMENT

Prevention:

Maintain good garden sanitation; control weeds in and around the garden or vegetable area and eliminate, as much as possible, trash in which the beetles can over winter

If present on other vegetable or fruit crops, cultivate frequently to kill eggs and remove infected plants after harvest

Thick mulches may also help reduce the number by interfering with activity of the root and soil stages

Diatomaceous earth is one of the more effective repellents, applied as a dry powder to the plants

Horticultural oils and some neem insecticides also have some repellent effect

Encourage beneficial nematodes

Elimination:

Insecticides should not normally be necessary and are not very effective when populations are high

Organic treatments include garlic and hot pepper sprays, rotenone and pyrethrum, sabadilla

Sulfur containing pesticides may be repellent

Garden insecticides containing carbaryl (Sevin), spinosad, bifenthrin and permethrin can provide fairly good control for about a week

GOOD GUY / BAD GUY?

Generally only a nuisance for roses; injuries are usually minor and easily outgrown on established plants. May be a more significant pest for the vegetable garden, where seedlings are most at risk. Used as a beneficial for some crop pests.

Photo from the Ohio State University website.

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FAST FACTS - FLEA BEETLES by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian

FAST FACTS - FLEA BEETLES
by Nanette Londeree, Master Rosarian