How to Control Flea Beetles on Pepper Plants

Flea beetles are quite small, shiny and hard-bodied. They eat the pepper plant's foliage, leaving small holes as evidence. Flea beetles lay their eggs in the soil at the base of the plant and the grubs feed on roots and lower stems. Although mature plants can handle a flea beetle infestation, the pest can kill pepper seedlings. It is important to treat a seedling infestation as soon as you notice it.

Things You'll Need

• Pyrethrin insecticide

Instructions

1. Remove weeds and piles of trash or debris from around the pepper plant bed. These are places that flea beetles take refuge.

2. Check new seedlings as soon as they have two sets of leaves. Look for small holes in the leaves and if you find them, treat the seedlings immediately.

3. Spray the pepper seedlings with an insecticide containing pyrethrin according to label instructions. Choose a windless day and spray in the morning before the day heats up.

4. Repeat the insecticide treatment according to the label instructions. The flea beetle produces three to four generations per season.

References

• North Carolina State University: Flea Beetles
• University of California; Peppers -- Flea Beetles; E.T. Natwick, et al.; December 2009