Flea Beetles, that is. So many of them that they are devouring almost entire plants overnight. They really love the bok choy and cilantro, but they are also getting into the zuchini, bush beans, some peppers, and the cucumbers. They are almost completely ignoring the beets and carrots. I don’t want to use chemical pesticides on my food, so I applied a liberal coat of diatomaceous earth yesterday. The CSU extension web site says it’s “one of the more effective repellents.” I’ll let you know how that turns out.
Update June 28th, 2008: After one day there isn’t a beetle to be found on any plants. Hopefully it will stay that way after the next watering.
Update June 29th, 2008: Grrr. I watered the garden this morning, washing the d.e. off all the leaves. The beetles were back within eight hours. Unless I can find a beetle-repelling companion plant, I think I won’t be planting bok choy again.
Technorati Tags: flea beetles, diatomaceous earth, pesticides, insecticides, gardening, organic
Diatomaceous earth is a mechanical pesticide. It’s sharp-edged stuff that tears up their little insect bodies.
Perfectly safe for people and pets, though. In fact, I think some people even rub it into their pets’ fur.
some flea beetles feed only on potatoes, tomatoes and other members of the nightshade family
That’s interesting to know. I always thought it would be cool to grow some Henbane or Mandrake.
They put it in horse feed too. Some people even eat it themselves, but I don’t know why. It can’t be good for all the little wiggly parts in there.