Flea beetles are small, brown to metallic black beetles with a habit of jumping like fleas when disturbed. They feed on many plants including beets, kale, collards, radish, and many weeds, particularly those in the mustard family. Small round holes are eaten in the leaves, usually early in the season. The larvae typically feed on underground portions of the host plants. Damage can be very severe on seedling plants.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Keep garden and adjacent areas clear of weeds which may attract flea beetles.
Floating row covers may provide effective protection.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

Use product according to label instructions. Apply when beetles are first noticed.

Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.

Bonide Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew R-T-U [Organic]
Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D) | EPA reg no: 4-472
Bug Buster-O [Organic]
Active ingredient: pyrethrins | EPA reg no: 1021-1771-54705
Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Conc II [Organic]
Active ingredient: potassium salts of fatty acid | EPA reg no: 42697-60
This list may not include all products registered for this use.

Images

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Caption: Flea beetle damage on kale Photo by: C.A. Miles
Caption: Cabbage flea beetle Photo by: Unknown
Caption: Adult flea beetle damage on potato leaf Photo by: Unknown
Caption: Adult flea beetle damage on potatoes Photo by: S.J. Collman

WSU Extension

Hortsense