Flea Beetle

Phyllotreta spp., Epitrix spp., Disonycha spp., Systena spp.

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

-4 Pest

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensagricultural fieldsweedy areashedgerowswooded areas

Taxonomic Group

Beetle

Order

Coleoptera

Family

Chrysomelidae

Lifecycle

Adult flea beetles overwinter in leaf litter, hedgerows, and wooded areas and become active in early spring, typically around May. After mating, females lay eggs in the soil at the base of host plants. The eggs hatch in approximately 11-13 days, and the resulting larvae feed on the root hairs of plants for 25-30 days. Following the larval stage, they pupate in the soil for 10-15 days before emerging as adults. The first generation of adults appears in late June, and a second generation emerges in late July. There are typically one to two generations per year.

Overwintering Strategy

Adults overwinter in leaf litter, crop residues, hedgerows, and wooded areas.

Native Range

Varies by species; many are native to North America.

Attracted By

Brassica cropsbok choyNapa cabbagemustardradishesbroccolicabbageturnipseggplantpepperstomatoespotatoesspinachmelonssunflowerscoreopsisweeds

Repelled By

catnipsageminthyssopnasturtiumbasilcilantro

Organic Control Methods

A variety of organic control methods can be used to manage flea beetles. Cultural controls are a primary strategy and include crop rotation, using row covers to create a physical barrier, and planting trap crops like radishes to lure beetles away from main crops. Destroying crop residue after harvest removes overwintering sites. Intercropping and mulching can also reduce infestations. For biological control, encouraging beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps (Microctonus vittatae), lacewing larvae, big-eyed bugs, and damsel bugs is effective. Applying entomopathogenic nematodes to the soil can control the larval stage. Organic insecticide options include kaolin clay (Surround WP), which forms a protective barrier on leaves, as well as products containing spinosad (Entrust), pyrethrins (Pyganic), or azadirachtin.

Companion Planting

Intercropping with non-host plants can help to confuse and deter flea beetles. Planting aromatic herbs like catnip, sage, mint, hyssop, nasturtium, and basil can repel them. To attract beneficial predatory insects like parasitic wasps, planting flowering plants with umbrella-shaped flowers such as yarrow, Queen Anne's lace, zinnias, fennel, and dill is effective. Other good companion plants for attracting beneficials include alyssum, cosmos, allium, statice, and thyme. Radishes can be used as a trap crop to lure flea beetles away from more valuable plants.