Control and Prevention

How to Get Rid of Flea Beetles

• Try this homemade spray to control flea beetles: 2 parts rubbing alcohol, 5 parts water, and 1 tablespoon liquid soap. Spray the mixture on the foliage of garden plants that are susceptible to these pests.
• Dusting your plants with plain talcum powder repels flea beetles on tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and other plants.
• Use white sticky traps to capture flea beetles as they jump.
• Insecticides may be used early in the season, but are generally unnecessary in the control of flea beetles on adult plants. Be extra diligent if your soil has history of bacterial diseases. Please contact your local nursery or cooperative extension for further advice.

Prevent Flea Beetles

• In the spring, emerging flea beetles will be waiting to feast on your garden. Cut off their food supply by delaying transplanting or planting by a couple weeks if possible.
• In the fall, till the garden to unearth any hiding flea beetles. This will also make soil easier to work the next spring.
• Row covers may be successful at keeping these pests out, as long as they are completely sealed. They should be used immediately after transplanting, so the pests do not have time to find the plant.
• Flea beetles are repelled by catnip and basil. They are attracted by nasturtium and radishes. You can plant these as traps for the flea beetles so that they do not attack other more valuable plants.
• Check out these tips to attract beneficial insects, which will prey on flea beetles.