The flea beetles are found on houseplants as well as in flower pots in the garden. They are real tormentors and should definitely be fought, as they damage the plants by feeding.
Yellow panels attract flea beetles and other pests
What are flea beetles?
Although the word "flea" is in their name, flea beetles are not really fleas. These are small beetles from the leaf beetle family. They grow up to 4 mm in size and are metallic blue or reddish in colour. The beetles are herbivores and love vegetables. In indoor, balcony and patio plants, they prefer young plants and damage roots, stems and leaves.
The damage can be recognized by small, round holes. The beetles themselves are difficult to spot.
Fighting the beetles
If you take care of your plants regularly, you will immediately notice irregularities. As soon as flea beetles are discovered, control must be started immediately to avoid damage.
You can choose between chemical mace or natural control.
use of chemicals
Various insecticides with the following active ingredients are available here:
- cybermethrin
- Chlorpyriphos
- deltamethrin
- cyhalothrin
- neonicotinoid agents
However, these agents should only be used in extreme emergencies, as the active ingredients cause environmental damage and kill bees, among other things. In the home garden, on the terrace or on the balcony, there are non-toxic options that can be used with great success.
Use of environmentally friendly means
Fleas can also be fought with non-toxic, natural means, for example:
- rock flour
- algae lime
- rye flour
- Mulch the soil around the plants with grass clippings
- Spritz with garlic or onion broth
- Glue traps and yellow boards
- matches
The leaves of the plants are dusted with rock flour, (14.13€) algae lime or rye flour in the early morning. This measure is also suitable for indoor plants. In the garden, if large plant pots are infested, you can apply a mulch layer of grass clippings. The moisture stays in the soil longer and drives away the beetles.
Spraying with plant broth is only recommended in the garden.
Yellow boards or glue traps are placed between the flower pots and changed regularly.
The use of matches is interesting. Since flea beetles are said not to like sulphur, a few matches are placed in the potting soil with the sulphur-head down. The sulfur is supposed to drive away the flea beetle. It is always advisable to try this home remedy before using stronger remedies.