Flea Beetles Help!

[porteryork]

We have been relatively pest free in the garden. We are doing raised beds and companion planting but the flea beetles will not leave the eggplant alone. Any natural ideas for elimination or suppression?

Thanks, Michelle

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

Wow that looks bad.

Well, flea beetles have been known to be scared away using a garlic/pepper/onion spray. Take 3-4 hot peppers, 1 whole onion and 1 whole head of garlic put it into a 5 gallon bucket, fill it with hot water and let it steep overnight. The next day I add 1/4 cup of castille soap and spray. This should work effectively although you have a large infestation.

Getting rid of that great mulch you have that they love to lay their eggs in could help too. Black or red plastic should work in helping to prevent them from further generations.

Just shaking the plants and spraying them with a strong stream of water could help too.

Lastly, if you absolutely must, you can sprinkle the plant with Diatomaceous earth to help get rid of the pests. But please do be careful as this can damage beneficial populations as well.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

[porteryork]

Thank you so much. We will try that tonight!