After a pupal period of 7 to 10 days, a new generation of beetles emerges. The palestriped flea beetle completes only one generation each year. Potato and tobacco flea beetles produce three to four annual generations in North Carolina. First, it is important to keep fields free of weeds. Destruction of plant residues, especially piles of cull potatoes and trash where beetles hibernate, prevents the buildup of high populations.
Late planting favors growth of the host plant over establishment of flea beetles.
Lastly, covering beds of seedlings with a gauze-like material prevents beetle entry. On potatoes, an in-furrow insecticide application at planting can prevent flea beetle damage early in the season. For control throughout the season on all vegetable crops, spray plants when adults appear and repeat as needed. For recommended insecticides and rates, consult the current North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual .