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.
Symptoms
The upper leaves of brassicas and various ornamentals are riddled with holes. Seedlings may be wiped out. Swarms of tiny beetles, often shiny and black, hop away when disturbed.
Find it on
brassica seedlings, nasturtiums, alyssum, anemone, stocks, cleome, godetia
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 pyrethrum chemical controls, taking care not to disturb the beetles before an application, or they’ll jump out of harm’s way.
