Crops Affected: Potatoes, tomatoes and other nightshades; broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous; squash, beans, corn, sunflowers, lettuce, and many weeds.

States Affected: All states

Life Cycle: Adult flea beetles mate and lay eggs either singly or in groups of 3-4 at the plant's base in the soil. The larvae emerge and feed, later pupating before re-emerging as adult beetles in late June. The larvae of different species have varied habits, with most developing in the soil and feeding on plant roots, while a few species feed on leaves. Flea beetles produce 1 to 3 generations per year, and their generations overlap significantly, putting crops at risk whenever planted. In mid-September, adult beetles leave fields to overwinter in areas with leaf litter or crop residues, staying hidden in the adult stage. During early-mid spring's warm days, they become active and seek out suitable plants to feed on. All adult flea beetle species feed on plant leaves, and their ability to fly well allows them to cover long distances in search of suitable plants.

Damage: Adult beetles create "shothole" wounds on leaves by chewing small pits which resemble damage from fine buckshot. Generally, larvae do not cause significant harm to plants, except for the tuber flea beetle larvae scarring potato tubers and flea beetle species that feed on leafy spurge. Young plants and seedlings are highly vulnerable to flea beetle damage, leading to stunted growth, and in severe cases, plant death. Additionally, the holes in leaves negatively impact the plant's appearance and marketability, especially concerning leafy vegetables and ornamental flowers.

Season to Trap: April to September

How To Use: Hang trap with attached lure at shoulder height near at risk or affected crops. Replace lures every 30 days through the season, and replace traps when 70% saturated. Adult males are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the traps in this kit. Once they land on the sticky trap, they become ensnared, never to mate or lay eggs again.
Please note that this lure is extremely smelly, do not open indoors!

Additional IPM Solutions: To combat flea beetles effectively, traditional contact pesticides may not work due to their jumping behavior when disturbed. Pesticides to try include diatomaceous earth, kaolin clay, pyrethrins and spinosad. Avoid practices that destroy or disrupt native beneficial insects. Consider employing trap crops that can be harvested or removed once the main crop becomes resilient enough to outgrow flea beetle damage. Utilize row covers, thick mulches to hinder soil larvae, and vacuuming. Choosing crops with waxy leaves limits attraction and restricts feeding to leaf margins, especially as the crop matures and the waxy coating thickens. Intercropping vulnerable plants with less desirable ones can also help. Time planting of vulnerable crops early or late can avoid peak beetle seasons.