Flea Beetle on brassica leaves, ways to reduce the damage

Small shiny beetles hop on and eat holes in young leaves of radish, rocket, kale, pak choi and other vegetables of the brassica (cabbage) family. I show how I manage their almost constant presence.
Flea beetles are most prevalent in inland areas where there are nearby field crops of oilseed rape/canola. However they are also becoming more common elsewhere. You may be fortunate and not suffer them!

Another method to reduce their population is by applying a sticky substance to a piece of yellow card or plastic. Run this over the top of affected plants, then beetles hop upwards and stick.

See also my books for example No Dig Organic Home and Garden, co-author Stephanie Hafferty.

[LifeIsBestLivedLeisurely]

Looking classy Charles. Jacket looks warm with a stylish college professor aesthetic.

[denisebrady]

Great Video once again- I had a huge problem with Flea Beetle on my Aubergine but have kept them under control with Neem Oil & being vigilant.
Oh Charles I am so excited as I have the most amazing bed of Red & Green cabbage / Bok Choi & Wombok- I am just thrilled as I was becoming quite despondent during all the heat we were having here in Brisbane Australia- but I am back. Cheers Denise- Australia

[joannedaniels]

Interplant edible petunias. The flea beetles of all ages are attracted to them and they get stuck in the fine hairs and the"honey dew". Just discovered it this year and it's working well. Struggled with flea beetles for years now on the Kenai Peninsula in AK!

[naturegirlmia]

Once again YOUR true too your word!!! Our netting covered cabbage plants are pretty free of the little BEASTS, our uncovered non-netting covered collard greens have several on them, More netting coming this week!! Thank You Sir for your wonderful input and time!!

[geverniveup]

We planted our brassica bed a few weeks ago and were so excited for the kale, arugula, and radishes that were coming in nicely....went out this morning and noticed an infestation of flea beetles. Tiny hole all over everything! My heart sank! So this video is perfect timing

[eriklane]

Glad to see I’m not the only one... flea beetles are by far the worst pest I have to deal with! Thanks for the tips, Charles. I have some of that netting and it’s helping a lot 👍🏼

[louiseharper]

Charles I don't care if you garden naked, your the best teacher!!! Love your films, and you've inspired us to make a new vegetable plot, thank you.

[jembo]

Thanks Charles we had a frost here in Kildare Ireland on the 15th of May😥 and I lost my tomato plants I had planted in the polytunnel, I also has some seedlings in trays coming along nicely as back up plants, and they to were killed off, so we start again, this gardening lark is testing me, as I said before the polytunnel blew down three times last year with the storms, my garden was flooded it came 10 feet from my house, but do you know what I am not giving up, and thanks for all your videos👍👍

[honesty]

So fitting the timing of this video. I just discovered that’s exactly what I’m dealing with right now. Crazy thing is, is that these plants that have it aren’t even in the ground yet. They are in trays in my greenhouse on my deck. I think they may have been in my Organic potting soil I bought. 😫

[sandrad]

When I was young, if you purchased a cabbage from the greengrocers it would need a good wash to remove the caterpillars slugs and other insects, apples would sometimes have a maggot in them, or worse was to discover half a maggot. But now I take reassurance from these insects can survive on this food and it must be healthy for me. If they can live on it, so can I.

[merylslabbert]

Wonderful! ..audio back to normal, so a marvellous look/ listen at the damages done by insects -- but even so, such a flourishing variety of splendid plants there to inspire us amateurs..as always.

[singncarpenter]

I live south of Austin, Texas and we plant the Brassicas in the fall here, looking forward to the cooler winter temperatures. The first time I planted brussel sprouts, Kale and broccoli, the flea beatles destroyed my plants before I knew what they were or how to control them. Now I use row covers and neem oil spray if needed to discourage them, as I don't like using pesticides that will kill beneficials and this has worked well so far. I recently started following your videos Charles and although there is a vast difference in our growing climate (I'm in zone 8A, where we get summer temps over 100 degrees F, 38 C), some things like these nasty little beatles, we do have in common. Thank you for the informative videos. I learn a lot from you.

[debbiet]

Flea Beetle is one of the few pests I get trouble with here in central Sutherland. I sowed some Nine Headed Bird (an Oriental green) late last summer and it was destroyed by them. I thought I would never sow it again–but I think now I will sow it as a trap crop! Thanks for this video🙂

[bhuld]

Audio is much better. Thank you for updating the mic.

[BalticHomesteaders]

These things are a nightmare for us. Last year was particularly bad and with our very mild winter (usually -25c here but not this year) they will probably been even worse. Will have to get some of that mesh some how. Thanks Charles, great video content as always.

[Jreichh]

Wow look at those beans!! Seems like a big easy crop I'd love to try it.

[amynelsongreen]

Thank you, Charles. I am inspired to utilize more covers (mesh now and fleece in spring/fall) to up my game in the garden. And love to spend some time with you at Home Acres with my morning coffee. So relaxing and informative. Love your work!

[jayjay]

Only recently found this Channel, really addictive and relevant to the Ordinary grower, Thank you Charles.

[foxglove]

Brilliant, I could hear you :-) All my veg are doing well. apart from parsnips, i have 2 growing lol. Take care every one.

[fellatwou]

Hi from Queensland Charles, another fine video. Thankyou for your gems of wisdom. Your no-dig philiosophy is brilliant. Stepping on garden beds is the best... My mother will be aghast!