Who are earth fleas and how dangerous are they?

Earth fleas are representatives of the leaf beetle family that feed on the green parts of plants. The name of these insects may be misleading to a layman, but in fact, these parasites are the closest relatives of the Colorado potato beetle and ladybugs, and they have the same relation to fleas as, say, guinea pigs to bats.

This group of insects got its name due to the thickened hind limbs that allow them to jump long distances. Otherwise, they are not much similar to the representatives of the bloodsucking squad and have their own characteristic biological features. Let's take a closer look at how earth fleas look, how dangerous they are, and whether they can be eliminated.

External characteristics: description, photo

As can be seen in the photos shown in this article, earthen fleas in their appearance very much resemble representatives of the winged wing order - antennae, three pairs of legs and dense shiny wings. Moreover, the color of the wings quite often corresponds to the color of the foliage of the plant on which they live and feed. If the leaves are light, then the color of the beetle will be turquoise or straw, and fleas with wings of rich green, brown and even black color will live on especially dark foliage.

But to notice these insects on the plant is very difficult, because, seeing the danger, they instantly leave their homes.

Distinctive characteristics of earthen fleas from bloodsuckers are as follows:

• color - the wings of an ordinary flea are black or brown and without shine;
• habitat and source of saturation - our beetles live only on plants and feed on their green part;
• size - earthen fleas are slightly larger than usual.

This group of leaf beetles has several species that can vary significantly from each other. The average length of their body is 3-4 cm, so it is quite difficult to see the distinctive features with the naked eye. But at the same time, the lifestyle of all representatives of this subfamily of beetles is in many respects similar - absolutely all earthen fleas are herbivorous. Some species can feed on several varieties of fodder plants, but there are also "gourmets" who prefer to parasitize on one particular seedling.

Harm from leaf beetles

With a small amount, earth fleas are not capable of causing serious harm to green spaces. In this case, only a slight damage to the leaves of the plant can be noted. But if there are too many parasites, then often they cause a complete loss of crop. Leafworms pose the greatest danger in dry weather, since through damaged areas the leaves will quickly lose moisture and dry out.

On a note! Some species of these beetles can gnaw stems, and even an adult plant can die.

A favorite treat for earthen fleas is young shoots that have soft green parts. Therefore, seedlings should be watched with particular care and on time to treat grown seedlings with insecticidal drugs.

We suggest considering the main signs of the appearance of leaf beetles:

• large uneven spots are clearly visible on the underside of the sheet;
• small holes in the stem along its entire height;
• on the leaves there is no soft part, only the “skeleton" is left;
• most often, ground cruciferous plants are attacked by earthen fleas.

Danger to humans

Leaf beetles are absolutely safe for humans, so it is not possible to demonstrate a photo of earthen flea bites. People can be attacked only by ordinary bloodsucker fleas - dog, cat, bird and others.

If we consider this issue from a biological point of view, earth fleas are simply not able to bite through the skin of warm-blooded animals, since their oral apparatus is developed for other purposes - to eat soft foliage. Therefore, if representatives of this family are found in the apartment, do not be afraid of them. Just throw the insect out of the window and it will not bother you anymore, as earthen fleas are in the house by accident: a gust of wind or vegetables just collected from the garden.

Of course, if containers with seedlings are placed on your windowsill, then there is a high probability of infection with these leaf beetles. In this case, you need the help of insecticides.

Control measures

Now you should consider information on how to get rid of earthen fleas. The fight against them should be comprehensive:

• competent crop rotation;
• insecticide treatment;
• timely weed removal;
• growing protective repellent plants;
• change of crops;
• decrease in the number of cruciferous;
• plentiful and timely watering.

Advice! Between cabbage and radishes, it is advisable to plant a salad, since earthen fleas on it rarely parasitize, and its large leaves will reliably hide other plants under it.

The insecticides from these leaf beetles can be used as follows:

• Antizhuk;
• Actara;
• Gaucho;
• Regent.

Important! Remember that every year the drug must be changed. In this case, it will be possible to get rid not only of earthen fleas, but also of other bugs that managed to gain immunity to the previously used remedy.

Folk methods

1. Tansy decoction - it is poured into a spray bottle and sprayed with plants on which leaf beetles were found.
2. Plants - repellents - hemp, wormwood, celandine, anabasis, tobacco. And in order to completely get rid of earth fleas, these plants must be planted around the entire perimeter of the garden.

If earth fleas have infiltrated your home and began to parasitize on seedlings placed on the windowsill, then ordinary home remedies for cockroaches can come to the rescue. The drug should only be sprayed on young shoots, and after a few hours the leaf beetles will disappear.