Flea beetles: how to spot, prevent and treat them pest

How do you spot flea beetles?

The leaves are riddled with small round holes, as if somebody had peppered them with shot. Touched, the beetles jump. Young plants with such leaves stall or die, older ones grow through the damage.

How do you prevent flea beetles?

Clear away the plant debris in which the beetles overwinter. Cover the bed with fleece right after sowing or planting and leave it until the plants are strong. Keep the soil moist, because a dry warm spring is the worst case.

What works against flea beetles?

Pin fleece down at the edges, which is the main measure. In autumn or early spring loosen the top layer of soil to cut down the number of overwintering beetles.

On a particular plant

eggplant: On the aubergine the fleece should be stretched over hoops.

Which plants get flea beetles? 18

Vegetables 18

🥬arugula 🟣beetroot ⚫black radish 🥦broccoli 🥬Brussels sprouts 🥬cabbage 🥦cauliflower 🌶️chili pepper 🥬Chinese cabbage 🍆eggplant 🥬kale 🥬kohlrabi 🫑pepper 🥔potato 🔴radish 🥬spinach 🌽sweet corn 🍅tomato

Sources: University of Maryland Extension
Checked on 17 August 2026.