Flea beetles are small black flying insects that chew holes in leaves of plants. Typically, adult flea beetles winter in the soil and become active in early spring when new plant growth appears. Plants become less attractive to the beetles as the leaves enlarge and thicken. Generally, damage resulting from flea beetles is cosmetic and their impact on healthy plants is minimal.

Flea beetles can be controlled by:
• Light cultivation
• Adding organic matter in the form of compost, straw, etc. to the soil
• Watering with a mixture of dish soap & water or water alone in full sunlight
• Placing bruised elderberry leaves over the affected plants
• Companion planting using mint as a deterrent