Home»Pests - Diseases»Beetles
It ’s impossible to own a garden without meet a few blighter . Aphids , mealy bug , wanderer mite – these pests seem to be a mandatory addition to most gardens .
However , there ’s one curious pesterer you may or may not have encountered that can leave quite a memorable first opinion and a lot of severe damage in its wake .
We ’re talking about the ably - key out common flea beetle .
These tiny frustrative garden pests tend to aim specific plants , so not every garden will have them . Vegetable plant and garden crops are especially susceptible to these pests .
However , it ’s important to cognize what they are and how to deal with them to avoid a lot of potential wrong to your plants .
What Is A Flea Beetle And How to Control Them In The Garden
Flea beetles are tinygarden peststhat have some unique trait .
Let ’s take a closer spirit at way to identify them , then delve into control method .
Flea Beetles 101
Flea beetles belong to theAlticinitribe , which belongs to theChrysomelidae(leaf beetle ) fellowship .
They broadly assess between 1/16 and ⅛ ” inch long , although the spinach flea mallet ( Disonycha xanthomelas ) grows to ¼ ” inches long .
look on the species of flea beetles , they can be opprobrious , drear , bronze , brown , or metal gray .
Some are self-colored , while others have stripes or spots .
However , one feature all eccentric of flea beetles have in common is their longsighted black hind legs which leave them to bound much like fleas .
This curious trait is how they ’ve earned their sobriquet , and it ’s sluttish to be surprised the first prison term one jump by from you .
Other unwashed species of flea beetles include :
Most flea mallet have a specific preference for food , with many species target specific genus or coinage of flowering or crop plants .
A noted exception to this is the wan - striped flea beetle ( Systena blanda ) , which is roll in the hay to feed on a variety of crops as well as skunk .
However , some flea mallet species are actually good , such as the genusAphthona , which has been employed in the US as a biologic controller against the invasive leafy spurge ( Euphorbia virgata ) .
Adult flea beetles can overwinter beneath leafage bedding , wooded areas , garden rubble , and other places of protection .
Once temperatures attain 50º degrees Fahrenheit in the spring , adult beetle emerge and begin to lay their eggs .
Some species will only lay a unmarried ball at a meter , while others lay in clusters .
They ’ll deposit the clusters of eggs in tiny yap in the footing or among radical or parting , which take 7 to 14 days to concoct .
As soon as they emerge , the midget white larvae will start feeding on tender roots , such as those of seedlings , before insert their pupal degree .
Unlike many other small insect pests , picayune disgraceful bugsonly multiply one to two fourth dimension per twelvemonth .
Identifying Flea Beetle Damage
Flea beetle larvae will attack the roots of seedlings and be given to do encompassing price to plants set about from ejaculate in the garden than those get going indoors and transplant .
The amount of price they do is commonly very minor ( unless there ’s a universe burst ) , although the larvae of the Irish potato flea beetle ( Epitrix cucumeris ) can result in illustrious crop damage .
Adults incline to be far more destructive . They have a unique pattern , chew irregular holes in leaf , stems , and flowers . The holes in farewell are irregular and generally rounded , measuring up to ⅛ ” in across .
It ’s significant to note that their harm in leafy greens can be misidentified as cabbage loopers . So it ’s best to keep a spotter and decent differentiate them .
As they continue to run , the full leaves will begin to sensationalistic , slicing , or prepare splotches , and the flea mallet hole will become bigger and more numerous .
If not treat , they can apace defoliate entire plants , with seedlings being the most vulnerable .
Even bad , flea beetles have know disease vectors and can taint your flora as they chew .
Chemical Methods Of Controlling Flea Beetles
There are a number of active constituent that do work well against flea beetle infestation , including :
Be sure to read the production label and follow instructions carefully , although chemical handling should always be a last refuge , as they can result to superbug if overdrive .
However , you’re able to use repellant formulation if chemical ascendency is not your cup of afternoon tea .
Organic Methods Of Controlling Flea Beetles
There is actually a wide range of organic control method that battle flea beetles .
Three born insecticides areneem crude oil , pyrethrin , and spinosad .
you’re able to alsotreat your plants with insecticidal soaporsprinkle diatomaceous land aroundthe base of your plant .
good nematode , braconid wasps , ladybugs , and tachinid fly are all swell allies in the garden and will actively hunt down flea beetles .
you could also take advantage of intercropping companion plants that are strong - smell , as it will make it more difficult for the flea beetles to find their fair game .
Marigolds , mint , and onion plant ( include ornamental ) are just a few great options .
Alternatively , you could plant trap crops , such as radishes , prior to planting the residue of your garden .
As the flea mallet will assault the cock-a-hoop , earliest crops first , you could entice them out and kill them before they can go after your factual garden .
Physical Methods Of Controlling Flea Beetles
Floating wrangle covers are a democratic method of keeping your vegetable crops good from flea mallet onrush . This will provide a physical barrier to feeling . However , you must first ensure no eggs or flea beetle larvae are hiding in the soil .
However , you ’ll need to transfer the row covers in meter for pollination .
you could alsoplace sticky traps throughout your gardento do away with these pests .
Moreover , keeping your vegetablegarden free of weedsand debris is another good way to keep flea mallet populations down , as they ’ll have few places to hide .
Limiting the food source by removing weeds for flea beetle will also help control these pests .
In improver , planting trap crops can also efficaciously handle flea beetle . Trap crops will entice the flea beetles or else of the master crop .
appeal beneficial insects , such as soft - wing flower beetles , lacewing , and theater of operations cricket can also help reduce the population , as they will feed on them .
Finally , you may till the garden in the fall , exposing any adults and often defeat them .
However , it would assist if you planted a cover crop or otherwise protected the soil afterward so it is n’t leave bare for the wintertime .
