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Managing Red Turnip Beetles in Home Gardens

A gardener asks how to control red turnip beetles and how dangerous they are.

About Red Turnip Beetles

Entomoscelis americana adults are bright red with black markings. Larvae feed on cruciferous crops (turnips, radishes, mustard, cabbage). They can defoliate seedlings quickly.

Control Methods

Row covers: Install at planting to exclude adults.
Hand-picking: Drop adults/larvae into soapy water.
Neem oil: Spray weekly; deters feeding and disrupts growth.
Spinosad: Effective on larvae; apply per label.
Crop rotation: Avoid planting brassicas in same spot consecutively.
Fall cleanup: Remove plant debris where adults overwinter.

Danger Level

They are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not bite or sting. Their threat is solely to crucifer crops.

Resource

University of Minnesota Extension: Red Turnip Beetles in Home Gardens

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