Flea Beetles

Asked March 20, 2018, 10:24 AM EDT

I have gardened for two years in Newberg and each year the flea beetles arrive and do significant damage. I bought nemotodes last year and it didn't seem to help. I've since read that there are certain types of nemotodes for certain insects so maybe I purchased the wrong kind. Any suggestions? Thanks, Kirsten

Clackamas County Oregon flea beetles horticulture

1 Response

Thank you for your question about flea beetle control, Kirsten. I am assuming you have had a positive identification of the insect in your garden. (You can read about some other insects common in vegetable gardens here: http://osumg.blogspot.com/2011/06/battle-against-flea-beetles.html)

If your ID is correct, it would help me help you more quickly and accurately if you let me know what crop(s) you found to be impacted by the insect. However, I can send you information on the most common flea beetle, Phyllotreta cruciferae, which infects the cabbage and leafy green families. Here is a link to the OSU Handbook on management of the flea beetle in the former types of crop: https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/broccoli-brussels-sprout-cabba...

If this doesn't answer your questions, could you please write back with more info? Thanks!