Flea Beetles in Organic Garden - Ask Extension
Hello!
I planted tomato plants that I purchased from a nursery last week and have noticed small black beetles eating the leaves. I’ve been told the...
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Flea Beetles in Organic Garden #869385
Asked May 20, 2024, 11:24 PM EDT
Hello!
I planted tomato plants that I purchased from a nursery last week and have noticed small black beetles eating the leaves. I’ve been told they are flea beetles. I want to maintain the integrity of my organic garden in getting rid of them. Is there a treatment you recommend? If so, how would you apply it and how often?
Thank you!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Kate,
You can use floating row covers, which are a gauzy thin white material. You would use hoops or a structure to drape them over your garden plants.
You can also plant "trap crops" like radishes. The flea beetles will decimate the leaves, but generally the plants will still produce a bulb. (Or you just sacrifice the plants to the flea beetles.)
Here's a good publication: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/flea-beetles-5-592/
You can use floating row covers, which are a gauzy thin white material. You would use hoops or a structure to drape them over your garden plants.
You can also plant "trap crops" like radishes. The flea beetles will decimate the leaves, but generally the plants will still produce a bulb. (Or you just sacrifice the plants to the flea beetles.)
Here's a good publication: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/flea-beetles-5-592/
Thank you! Will the floating row cover work well if the beetles are already on the plants? Trap crops also seem like a great option!
Hi Kate,
Yes, it can trap the current beetles, but it may also help if there is a second generation that hatches.
One thing to consider next year is to plant a little later in the spring (Memorial Day or even the beginning of June) - then the beetles have mostly hatched and had their fun. Plus you avoid the wild weather and chilly nights of mid-May.
Yes, it can trap the current beetles, but it may also help if there is a second generation that hatches.
One thing to consider next year is to plant a little later in the spring (Memorial Day or even the beginning of June) - then the beetles have mostly hatched and had their fun. Plus you avoid the wild weather and chilly nights of mid-May.
Great advice. Thank you for your help!
