Control Flea Beetles Organically
Marilyn Pokorney

Flea beetles are more of a nuisance than a threat to a healthy
garden. But if found on seedlings they can kill the plants. On
larger, well-established plants they do little harm. However, in
corn and potatoes flea beetles can transmit serious diseases.
Potato beetles may transmit early blight. Corn flea beetles can
transmit a bacterium called Stewart's Wilt.

The adults are tiny ranging from 1/16 to 1/4 inch long and are
various colors, including black, greenish or bluish black, green
or yellow. They have enlarged hind legs, which enable them to
jump like fleas. The larvae are slender, white grubs which feed
on roots, tubers, and lower stems underground.

Flea beetles overwinter as adults among debris in or near fields
or host plants. At the end of the year remove plants and surface
debris to remove hibernating material.

Eggs are deposited in soil near the bases of host plants and may
require a week or more to hatch. Treating the soil with
beneficial nematodes can help control the larvae.

Plant later than usual so warmer temperatures can help plants to
outgrow the feeding beetles.

Use rotation planting. Don't plant the same crop in the same bed
the next year.

Dusting plants with Diatomaceous earth, ashes, ground limestone,
or even flour has been used successfully.

Homemade sticky traps work well. Flea beetles are attracted to
the colors of white and yellow. For white traps cut milk jugs
sides, other white plastic containers, or styrofoam meat trays
into pieces about four to six inches square. Coat the pieces with
something sticky. Petroleum jelly, lard, grease and non-setting
glue have all been found useful. Wash off the captured beetles
and reuse.

For a yellow trap take flypaper and attach it to something solid
like a lightweight board that can be set upright or heavy
cardboard attached to a wooden stake.

Some people have found beer traps successful.

For plants that don't need insect pollination, cover beds of
seedlings with row covers or gauze-like material to prevent
beetle entry.

Flea beetles like hot, dry soil. Misting or fine watering to keep
the topsoil moist helps as do mulches.

Plant beets, carrots, chard, radishes, spinach and other
cool-loving crops a couple of weeks later. These also make
effective trap crops to protect other plants.

Natural repellents consist of nicotinia, catnip, and wormwood.
Make a tea and spray the affected crop. Another natural repellent
is a garlic and hot pepper spray. Flea beetles hate this
combination and will quickly leave. Reapply after watering or
rain.

If all else fails, insecticides make from plants like Rotenone
can be applied.

For more information on organic flea beetle and insect control:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/fleabeetle.htm

Copyright © 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
Marilyn Pokorney is a freelance writer of science, nature,
animals and the environment. She also loves crafts, gardening,
and reading.


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