What are earth fleas?
Although the word "flea" appears in their name, they are Earth fleas not real fleas. They are small beetles from the leaf beetle family. They grow up to 4 mm in size and have a blue-metallic or reddish color. The beetles are herbivores and love vegetables. In indoor, balcony and terrace plants, they prefer young plants and damage roots, stems and leaves.
The damage can be seen in small, round holes. The beetles themselves are difficult to spot.
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Fighting the beetle
Anyone who cares for their plants regularly will notice irregularities immediately. As soon as the fleas are discovered, control must be started immediately to avoid damage.
You can choose between the chemical club or a natural fight.
Use of chemicals
Various insecticides with the following active ingredients are available here:
- Cypermethrin
- Chlorpyriphos
- Deltamethrin
- Cyhalothrin
- neonicotinoid agents
However, these agents should only be used in extreme emergencies, as the active ingredients cause environmental damage and kill bees, among other things. In the home garden, on the terrace or balcony, there are non-toxic options that can be used with good results.
Use of environmentally friendly means
Fleas can also be combated with non-toxic, natural means, for example:
- Rock flour
- Algae lime
- Rye flour
- Mulch the soil around the plants with lawn clippings
- Splash with garlic or onion broth
- Glue traps and yellow boards
- matches
With Rock flour,(€ 12.33 at Amazon *)Algae lime or rye flour you dust the leaves of the plants in the early morning. This measure is also suitable for indoor plants. In the garden, if large plant pots are infested, a layer of mulch can be applied from grass clippings. The moisture stays in the soil longer and drives away the beetles.
Spraying with plant broth is only recommended in the garden.
Yellow boards or glue traps are placed between the flower pots and changed regularly.
The use of matches is interesting. Since fleas supposedly don't like sulfur, some matches are put into the with the sulfur head down Potting soil plugged. The sulfur is supposed to drive away the fleas. It is always advisable to try this home remedy before using stronger remedies.
