Treating flea beetles in the garden - Ask Extension
Does spraying garden plants (in this case asian eggplant) with a dilute Castile soap solution really kill or discourage flea beetles?
Knowledgebase
Treating flea beetles in the garden #869042
Asked May 18, 2024, 5:31 PM EDT
Does spraying garden plants (in this case asian eggplant) with a dilute Castile soap solution really kill or discourage flea beetles?
Summit County Ohio
Expert Response
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/flea-beetles#chemical-controls-3089563
https://agresearch.montana.edu/wtarc/producerinfo/entomology-insect-ecology/CanolaFleaBeetles/OganicManagement.pdf
https://extension.sdstate.edu/dealing-flea-beetles#:~:text=Other%20preventative%20options%20include%20organic,used%20to%20eliminate%20flea%20beetles.
The use of castile soap on plants as a means for controlling insects, including fleas beetles, has no recommendation in the literature. The third website above mentions the use of Neem Oil as an organic insecticide. I know that castile soap has been used on pets to kill or remove flea beetles but plants may be burnt by the soap. As you will see in the above websites, the use of chemical insecticides such as pyrethrum and its derivatives are recommended, but you must follow the recommendations on the label regarding the timing of application prior to harvest.
https://agresearch.montana.edu/wtarc/producerinfo/entomology-insect-ecology/CanolaFleaBeetles/OganicManagement.pdf
https://extension.sdstate.edu/dealing-flea-beetles#:~:text=Other%20preventative%20options%20include%20organic,used%20to%20eliminate%20flea%20beetles.
The use of castile soap on plants as a means for controlling insects, including fleas beetles, has no recommendation in the literature. The third website above mentions the use of Neem Oil as an organic insecticide. I know that castile soap has been used on pets to kill or remove flea beetles but plants may be burnt by the soap. As you will see in the above websites, the use of chemical insecticides such as pyrethrum and its derivatives are recommended, but you must follow the recommendations on the label regarding the timing of application prior to harvest.
