These holes provide an entrance for plant diseases. The potato flea beetle spreads early blight. The corn flea beetle vectors bacterial wilt of corn. Larvae feed on roots, and with the sweetpotato and potato flea beetles, heavy losses to edible roots or tubers may result. Distribution Flea beetles are worldwide in distribution.
All species are common in the eastern United States.
Control Keeping fields free of weeds is important. Late planting also favors growth of host plants over establishment of flea beetles. Destroy plant residues and piles of cull potatoes to prevent beetle buildup. Trash around plant beds where beetles hibernate should be destroyed and beds covered. Planting resistance sweetpotato varieties is the only effective control measure for the sweetpotato flea beetle.