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FLEA BEETLE
(Phyllotreta sp)
DESCRIPTION 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 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. GO
TO THE GARDEN PEST AND DISEASE MAIN PAGE FOR
Flea Beetles are tiny black (sometimes with yellow stripes on the outer
wings) beetles about 1/10th of an inch (25 millimetres) long.
Flea Beetles go for seedlings which are lacking water. The best prevention
therefore is to keep seedlings sufficiently watered in dry
conditions.
PESTS AND DISEASES CLASSIFIED BY PLANT