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Flea Beetles
Mary Small
Extension Agent, UIP
Jefferson County
Flea beetles continue to be a problem in area landscapes. They are small,
usually shiny beetles that will jump when disturbed. They damage plants by
chewing small holes in leaves. Flea beetles are found on a variety of plants,
but their injury is most significant on young plants and leafy vegetables.
Apple Flea Beetle
Click on image to enlarge
A few of the common Colorado flea beetles seen in the Clinic this year
include the Western cabbage flea beetle, which feeds primarily cabbage family
plants; the potato flea beetle, feeding on tomato, potato and eggplant; and the
apple flea beetle, which feeds on crabapple, grape and, largely, primrose.
Flea beetle damage
Click on image to enlarge
Adult flea beetles over winter under leaves or in other protected sites. They
fly to host plants over a period of weeks, detecting the plants by smell. The
adults feed on plant leaves and after a time, begin egg laying in soil cracks.
The young larvae feed on roots, but the species mentioned don’t cause
significant root injury. Two or three generations develop each year, depending
on the species.
Since young plants and seedlings are at most risk of significant injury, use
good cultural practices to grow the plants quickly, which allows them to overcome
flea beetle damage. Floating row covers can be placed over seedling plants to
exclude the flea beetles. Carbaryl (Sevin) and permethrin control flea beetles
for about a week, so reapplications may be necessary. Diatomaceous earth,
horticultural oils and some neem products act as repellents. Always follow label
directions for the product chosen.
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