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FLEA BEETLE  (Phyllotreta sp)


DESCRIPTION
Flea Beetles are tiny black (sometimes with yellow stripes on the outer wings) beetles about 1/10th of an inch (25 millimetres) long. 

These little beetles munch their way through the leaves of seedlings and sometimes fully grown vegetables (radishes, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips and swedes seem most affected). They leave ragged holes in the leaves.


TREATMENT
Flea Beetles go for seedlings which are lacking water. The best prevention therefore is to keep seedlings sufficiently watered in dry conditions. 

If a pesticide is required to control the flea beetles, try and use derris which is considered safer for vegetables compared to many other chemicals.

 

 

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