Meeting Flea Beetles

A few weeks ago I was volunteering with Colorado Master Gardeners at the Cherry Creek Farmers Market when the subject of flea beetles arose.  One of the other master gardeners knew more about this insect so I was able to learn what these little guys do to the garden.  Basically, they don't make your garden the envy of the block.  They are jumpy little suckers that eat little tiny holes in the leaves, stunt plant growth and in extreme cases kill the plant.  Awesome, right?  I was thankful that I hadn't experienced these until.....

I was swearing at bugs again!  I made sure to have my outburst when the neighbors were inside and no one was walking by!  Here is what the little black buggers look like and the damage they have done to my alyssum on my balcony container garden.  They were only hanging around my lavender and thankfully not eating it.

Mitigation plans.... Well, I love my organic insecticide.  I know it is a little lame, but I like to see them die.  This time I diluted it so I would avoid burning the leaves on the plant and it worked!  The bugs have three life cycles so I will have to spray three times.  However, I am not sure how long each lifecycle is so I don't know when I will have to spray again.  I will have to keep an eye out.

My other plan is to buy catnip or peppermint.  They don't like these plants and it helps keep them away if you place them next to your plants.  I have read different opinions about this, but I figured I would give it a try.

Other items of interest with these guys, they particularly like seedlings, young plants, organic waste and dead leaves.  So keep your pots clean and maybe use row covers on the young plants until they are mature.  Also, it helps to raise your containers up a few feet off the ground because they can't jump high enough to get to the plant.  

My other worry are my neighbors gardens.  I am hoping they haven't jumped their way over to their balconies.  I might have to warn them...