Broccoli, Cole crops: Flea beetles

categories: Broccoli, Cole Crops Broccoli, Cole crops Insects Vegetables

last review date: 2026-03-15 05:29

Biology

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

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

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

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.

Approved Pesticides

Examples of pesticides that are legal for home use in Washington State are listed below.
The list may not include all products registered for this use.

• Bonide Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew R-T-U [Organic]
  Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D) (EPA reg. 4-472)
• Bug Buster-O [Organic]
  Active ingredient: pyrethrins (EPA reg. 1021-1771-54705)
• Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate II [Organic]
  Active ingredient: potassium salts of fatty acid (EPA reg. 42697-60)