The culprit is the flea beetle, which, like its namesake, jumps away when disturbed. The small, shiny, black, brown or blue beetles emerge in April and May, after winter hibernation, ready to start feeding. Eggs laid near host plants hatch in late-summer. The beetles feed for a few weeks before overwintering.
Solution
Organic
Seedlings are especially vulnerable to attack, so protect them by waiting until they're a good size before planting out. Exploit the beetles' habit of jumping and catch them with a sticky trap. Coat a piece of card with grease, such as insect barrier glue, leaving a clean strip along one edge. Brush the clean edge of the card over the top of your plants - when the beetles hop into the air they'll stick to the grease. Repeat as necessary.
Chemical
Use rotenone, derris or pyrethrum chemical controls, or spray seedling brassicas with a thiacloprid insecticide. Take care not to disturb the beetles before an application, or they'll jump out of harm's way.
Comments and rating
Overall rating (from 2 ratings):
Before using thiacloprid, imidacloprid, acetamocloprid or any other neonicotinoid pesticide, I recommed visiting the Buglife website, to read their report summarising independent research on neonicotinoids. They kill bees & other non-target insects - eg. butterflies etc. Miniscule amounts impair the ability of insect to function resulting inevitably in death. Also, seek out the fact sheets from the US environment agency -you may get a shock! We used to manage without them & can now.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
5 out of 5
thought the sticky solution was an excellent organic idea - have just tried it using a piece of tree band (for protecting against insects). Seems to have collected quite a lot of the little beasties - will continue daily and see how it goes. Have protected my newly planted brassicas with small tunnels - hope this will keep them protected
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
valerie1 rated and commented on this article
08 July 2010
3 out of 5
On my allotment i find that flea beetles are not as selective as your article suggests. They love a wide range of plants from radishes to turnips. I had never heard of them before working on the allotment. What would interupt their life cycle - apart from killing the adults when they have already attacked the crops? Valerie
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.