19 October 2025

Customer Question – Flea Beetle?

Q. “I think these are flea beetles? They have attacked radish, rocket and spicy lettuce. Do you have anything that can help with controlling these? Should I change the soil in my trug to help control them? Thank you.” Susannah Hudson.

A. Thanks for the message and Flea Beetle is hard to control as it is like 2 pests in 1 i.e. it overwinters as a beetle and it is the beetle that attacks the foliage of brassicas and related plants, such as rocket, radish, swede and turnip and then the resulting larvae attack the roots in late spring / summer, before pupating and producing the next generation of over-wintering beetles. It is much better to target the larvae in the summer with Flea Beetle Nematodes , but that will not help you this spring when the beetles emerge and unfortunately there isn’t a natural control for them. The best bet is to cover the crop with mesh or fleece (CLICK HERE to see our range) to help the young plants survive the beetles and then treat for the larvae in the summer.

Apply Flea Beetle Nematodes TWICE at 2 weekly intervals anytime between April and late August. Each sachet of Flea Beetle Nematodes contains a mixture of natural, nematodes, which will attack the larval and pupal stages of flea beetle in the soil where they live, but are safe or children, pets and wildlife. Each pack of Flea Beetle Nematodes contains 2 sachets of nematodes, which will treat up to 25 sqm. It is supplied as a powder which is mixed with water and applied with a Watering Can (we supply a NemaCan, which is ideal for applying nematodes) or EasyNem Applicator for larger areas. The nematodes should be applied when the soil temp is 12°C /54°F and the pest is present (between April – September). As with all nematodes, only order when you are ready to apply as they are perishable.

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