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Will I have flea beetles next year ?

dctuttondctutton Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi everyone and thank you for reading my post,

I had an infestation of flea beetles on my ps brocoli earlier in the year. I read that the larvae bury into the ground and munch on weeds and roots of seedlings. Which seems to be accurate if my carrots, cress, peas and radishes are anything to go by. I rake my beds regularly - every day - and keep them weed free. All around the ps brocoli is now crop free.  I read also that the larvae will bury into the ground and can wait for some considerable time before emerging, my fear is that next year they will emerge and I will have another year without crops.

Any help or advice would be gratefully received.


Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Bumping up for any flea beetle experts  :)
  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    I'm not an expert but I'll share my experience with flea beetles. For years I grew rocket, Pak choi and brassica with no pest issues. Then the local farmer grew a rape crop across the road and ever since I've struggled to minimise damage. One year was particularly bad with the flea beetles seeeming much larger than normal and completely destroying my crops. As a result I got my OH to construct a cold frame with an insect mesh lid and now start all vulnerable seedlings inside, only planting them out when they've reached a good size and are growing strongly.  I still get some damage but do now at least get an edible crop.
  • dctuttondctutton Posts: 4
    Thank you for sharing your experience with these little monsters.

    after much thought, fighting and frustration I have decided to go down the nematode route. I don't particularly want to but my beds are set on concrete so I don't feel there is any risk to the eco structures (if there ever could be).

    i ordered some this morning and hope that my future crops will be okay.
  • Singing GardenerSinging Gardener Posts: 1,237
    I didn't know that there are nematodes for flea beetles. Be interesting to see how well they work! Please keep us updated on how it goes.
  • dctuttondctutton Posts: 4
    Of course, it will be my pleasure 👍🏼
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