Is there a small black insect eating holes in the vegetable leaves in your garden? Flea beetles are common garden insects, which feed on the leaves of radishes, beans, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes and sweet alyssum. Adult flea beetles are about 1/16 of an inch in length and actively feed on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves. It's hard to get an accurate idea of the number of flea beetles in your garden since they move away from you as you walk through.

The first indication of flea beetle damage on your plants is the appearance of small circular holes in the leaves, giving them a sieve-like appearance. Plants often appear as if they have been peppered with fine shot. If you don't control the beetles, these feeding holes will be enlarged, eventually, killing the plant.

The only practical method of controlling flea beetles is the use of garden insecticides. Garden dust or spray formulations of Sevin, Diazinon or Methoxychlor will give effective control of these beetles. Thorough and even coverage of the affected crop as well as the soil area around the plants is essential in controlling flea beetle infestation. If you are using dust, apply during periods of calm weather. Spray should be applied until it drips off the plants. Other insecticides labeled for flea beetles such as Tempo can also be used, but only for plants listed on the label. The active ingredient in Tempo is available in Bayer Advanced Garden Multi-Insect Killer.  When using insecticide, mix and apply according to label directions. Be sure to read and follow pesticide label directions. Pay particular attention to the number of days allowed between pesticide usage and harvest.

This page was last updated April 2003

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