Potato: Potato flea beetles

• Categories: Potato Potato Insects Vegetables
• Last review date: 2026-08-29 08:19

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 potato, tomato, radish, spinach, and many weeds. Adults eat small round holes in the leaves, usually early in the season. The larvae typically feed on underground portions of the host plants, causing minor to severe damage in the form of winding grooves on the potato surface or as pinholes bored 1⁄2″ or less into the potato. The holes can serve as entry points for tuber rots and other problems.

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.
• Cut away damaged portions of tubers before use.

Chemical Management

• Apply according to label instructions when beetles or damage is first seen.
• Several applications may be needed.

Approved Pesticides

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Bonide Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew R-T-U [Organic]
  Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D)
  EPA registration number: 4-472
• Bug Buster-O [Organic]
  Active ingredient: pyrethrins
  EPA registration number: 1021-1771-54705
• Monterey Garden Insect Spray [Organic]
  Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D)
  EPA registration number: 62719-314-54705
• NIMBIOSYS Neem Oil [Organic]
  Active ingredient: neem oil, cold pressed
  EPA registration number: 84181-2
• Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate II [Organic]
  Active ingredient: potassium salts of fatty acid
  EPA registration number: 42697-60
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.