How to Get Rid of Beetles on Tomato Plants
There are several different types of pests that can bother your tomato plants. Beetles are one of those types. You may find blister beetles, Colorado potato beetles, or flea beetles on your tomato plants. These beetles mainly eat the leaves of the tomato plant, leaving behind small and large holes. If you see these beetles, you will want to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Pour water in your bucket. Then add the dish soap. This is the base of your homemade insecticidal soap.
- There are several different types of pests that can bother your tomato plants.
- You may find blister beetles, Colorado potato beetles, or flea beetles on your tomato plants.
Drip the vegetable oil and neem oil into your bucket. Mix all of the ingredients. The vegetable oil helps the insecticidal soap stay on the tomato plant, while the neem oil works as an all-natural pesticide to kill the beetles.
Transfer your insecticidal soap to an empty spray bottle.
Spray your tomato plants with your homemade insecticidal soap. Concentrate on the leaves as this is where you will find most of the beetles.
Repeat every four to five days, or after a rainfall. This insecticide will both kill the beetles that are on the tomato plants and keep new beetles from feasting on the leaves.
- Drip the vegetable oil and neem oil into your bucket.
- Spray your tomato plants with your homemade insecticidal soap.
Homemade Natural Spray For Flea Beetles On Tomato Plants
A potent spray containing garlic and pepper can repel flea beetles and a variety of other pest insects. One spray that may repel or kill flea beetles is made by combining 2 parts rubbing alcohol, 5 parts water and 1 tablespoon of mild, biodegradable liquid dish-washing soap. You can also attach the trap to a wooden stake near the plant. Young plants are potentially protected using floating row covers, gauze or mesh. Flea beetles are especially drawn to plants in the cabbage family, so planting a few of these plants nearby can draw the pests away from the tomatoes. Using a handheld vacuum to remove flea beetles from the tomato plants daily can also reduce pest numbers.
Tip
Boric acid is another natural product you could use as an insecticide.
Warning
You can use chemical insecticides to get rid of the beetles on your tomato plants, but be aware that some of the chemicals may seep in to the plant. When you eat the tomato, you eat the chemicals.
Related Articles
References
- North Carolina State University: Pests of Tomatoes
- University of Vermont Extension: Flea Beetles
- Sierra Club Canada: Pest Control Spray You Can Make in Your Kitchen!
- Capital District Community Gardens: Garden Pests & Diseases
- The Old Farmer's Almanac: Flea Beetles
- Rodale's Vegetable Garden Problem Solver; Fern Marshall Bradley
- Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills; Abigail R. Gehring
Tips
- Boric acid is another natural product you could use as an insecticide.
Warnings
- You can use chemical insecticides to get rid of the beetles on your tomato plants, but be aware that some of the chemicals may seep in to the plant. When you eat the tomato, you eat the chemicals.
Writer Bio
Alicia Bodine has been a professional writer for 13 years. She has produced thousands of articles for online publications such as Demand Studios, GoBankingRates and WiseGeek. Bodine is passionate about gardening, travel, education and finance. She has received awards for being a top content producer.
