Scanmask Spray
Kills the widest range of pests. Our pick for several pests at once or for preventing them.
From $37.99
Flea Beetle
Alticini
Tiny, dark jumping beetles that chew holes in leaves, stems, and petals, while their larvae feed on roots.
How to control flea beetle
- Use
- Scanmask Spray (also works: Scanmask Topdressing)
- When
- March to August. Treat as early in spring as you can.
- Where
- Rows, or around transplants and seedlings.
What it looks like
"Flea beetle" is the name for many kinds of small, dark beetles that jump like fleas.
A striped flea beetle. The picture at the top is a crucifer flea beetle.
Flea beetles go through four life stages, with 1 to 4 generations per year depending on the species. Adults spend the winter in the soil or garden debris, then lay their eggs, usually at the base of plants. The eggs hatch in about a week, and the small larvae feed on roots in the soil for a few weeks before changing into pupae. New adults come out about a week later.
Damage
Flea beetles can badly damage many kinds of plants. The larvae feed on roots, and the adults chew through leaves, stems, and petals. They're most active on hot, sunny days.
How nematodes help
The beneficial nematodes in BioLogic's products hunt down and kill flea beetle larvae in the soil, so they can't grow up and reproduce.
How to apply
Treat with Scanmask as early in spring as you can, applying it along rows or around transplants and seedlings.
See How to apply for step-by-step directions, or use the calculator on the Scanmask Spray page to see how much you need.
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Recommended products
Scanmask Topdressing
The same Scanmask we've sold since 1985, mixed with peat moss or potting soil and spread by hand. Keeps up to a year in the fridge.
From $42.99