Flea beetle
Pest Tiny jumping beetles that pepper the leaves of brassicas and salad crops with small holes.
What to look for
Lots of tiny round "shot holes" in the leaves of radish, rocket, mizuna, kale and other brassicas. The beetles are very small and jump when you disturb the plant. Seedlings suffer most.
When: April to September, especially in hot, dry weather.
How to prevent it
- Cover sowings with fine insect mesh (less than 1 mm) straight away.
- Keep seedlings watered, as the beetles prefer dry conditions.
- Sow in light shade in summer, or sow later in the season.
How to deal with it
- Established plants usually tolerate damage, so wait for them to outgrow it.
- Water regularly to speed up growth.
- Eat damaged leaves, as the holes are cosmetic.
Crops it affects
If you choose to use any treatment, use only products approved for UK home gardens, follow the label and avoid spraying open flowers. See all pests and diseases.