Derris Dust alternative

Does anyone know a solution for Flea Beetle infestation now that Derris Dust is no longer on the shelves. This is the first year I've really had problems with them, and in addition to massive damage to my swedes, I've also seen Flea Beetle damage (and the beetles themselves) on my Pak Choi, Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. I've used up the last of my Derris Dust now and need something else to continue the fight.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by elaine rickett on June 25, 2011 at 10:30

I heard Terry Walton on the radio the other day saying he had the same problem and was solving it by covering with - I'm not sure if it was fine mesh netting or fleece.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Willetts on June 27, 2011 at 17:32

It would be enviromesh I think. An organic solution is to pass a greased board across the tops so they jump up and stick on. Think you could spray with a hose to wash off too. Provado ultimate bug killer is used for most things nasty in the garden but you would need to check if its ok for flea beetle on edible crops.

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Permalink Reply by Gareth Bowes on June 29, 2011 at 10:23

Thanks for the suggestions. I think the last of my Derris Dust made a big difference; most of the beetles have gone and my swedes seem to have recovered well. There are still a few flea beetle on them, but they've disappeared for the main part. I'll need to sort something out for next year though. Most of the Bug Killer sprays I've seen don't mention flea beetles, but are supposed to work on just about anything else.

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Permalink Reply by Henrietta Fernandez on July 14, 2011 at 10:48

I think I may have these...I've noticed tiny scaly holes on the rocket, and mixed salad leaves I'm growing... and lots of black tiny beetles on some flower heads of flowers(rocket that has gone to seed in other parts of my small patch). I've seen a couple of beetles on the rocket leaves and they do jump off like fleas when you try to get them. I had such lovely lush salad and rocket and even my new seedlings are flecked with damage. Can anyone identify my problem or tell me it is flea beetle...and what is really the best thing to do?

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Permalink Reply by Henrietta Fernandez on July 14, 2011 at 11:07

I've just identified it myself and it is flea beetle...but what to do in such a small area? I wanted to follow my broad beans with kale but am worried that they will get infested too. And I wanted to grow more rocket and mustard leaf but it seems I may not be able to unless I cover everything with enviromesh, or spend hours out there waving sticky boards around( which I don't really have much time to do) :(

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Permalink Reply by Gareth Bowes on July 14, 2011 at 15:20

Fortunately, I think the last of my Derris Dust saved my swedes.....but the flea beetles are still around and seem to have re-located to other brassicas, albeit is lesser numbers. The area devoted to brassicas on my plot is too big for mesh or fleece to be a practical solution, but they could work if you have a relatively small area set aside for salad plants. I think I've just about survived this year, but next year could be a challenge!! They seem to wreak most havoc on young swede seedlings, so if you can get your plants through that stage, you'll have a better chance of a decent crop. As for the small holes, you may just have to put up with them to some degree.