Adults are 1/16-inch long brown beetles. They are very active and hop or fly readily when disturbed.
There is no way to check for the intensity of flea beetle damage prior to transplant. Damage is greatest following mild winters. Some transplant water treatments provide excellent preventive flea beetle control.
Flea beetles cause "shot hole" feeding damage to tobacco leaves. This injury can add to transplant stress and slow plant establishment.
Treat if there are 3 or more beetles per plant during the first 2 weeks after transplant. Established plants rarely need protection from this insect.
Broadcast and incorporate spray or granules immediately before transplant. See label for crop rotation limitations.
| Insecticide | Rate/Acre Small Plants | Rate/Acre Large Plants | Harvest Interval (days) |
| Acephate 75 SP | 2/3 lb | 1 lb | 3 |
| Bracket | 2/3 lb | 1 lb | 3 |
| Orthene 75 SP | 1/2 lb | 1/2 lb | 3 |
| Orthene 97 | 1/2 lb | 1/2 lb | 3 |
| Golden Leaf Tobacco Spray | 2/3 qt | 1-1/3 qt | 5* |
| Phaser 3E | 2/3 qt | 1-1/3 qt | 5* |
| Thiodan 3E | 2/3 qt | 1-1/3 qt | 5* |
| Pravado 1.6 F (imidaclproid) | 4 fl oz | 4 fl oz | 14 |
| Lannate 90 SP | 1/2 lb | 1/2 lb | 14 |
| Sevin 80S | 1-1/4 lbs | 2-1/2 lbs | 0 |
| Warrior 1 CS (lambda cyhalothrin) |
1.92 to 3.84 fl. oz. | 1.92 to 3.84 fl. oz. | 40 |
* Application of products containing endosulfan within 28 days of harvest can lead to increased residue on the crop. Do not spray in the heat of the day.