Flea Beetle

[Maf]

Just got back from my Hols.

Rocket had bolted and flea beetles were feasting so I composted the lot.

Question is....

Will the beetles move on now the rocket has gone ?

How soon till I can sow again and cover with fleece ?

[Two_Sheds]

Flea beetles can be kept down by keeping the crop moist. The beetle prefers conditions hot & dry.

[sarahspatch]

I read somewhere that flea beetle numbers should be dwindling around mid July.
I love rocket but I always get plagued by them, but have just bought some seeds to sow in the next few weeks.
I would try again soon!

[JennieAtkinson]

Well apparently I have fea beetle in one of my raised beds in the polytunnel. I didn't know what it was but a well educated friend visited the tunnel last week and confirmed it was. This is mid October and the things are still eating the radish and lettuce tops and when I disturb the ground they hop around all over the place.

I've tried the sticky trap business, but that doesn't seem to have got rid of them. Derris powder is now out and I'm running out of ideas!

I did a search on google and found a post on the grapevine from 2006. It was recommended to soak string in ***** fluid but I'm not sure whether it should be laid around the veg (all mine pulled up now) or whether you string it across. Can anyone remember posting this? Sadly the page disappeared and when I do a google search again it doesn't bring it up. Nor a search on this website.

The other question is - do they transfer to humans. I'm itching all over at the moment!