Pest
Flea Beetles
Jordlopper
How to recognise it
Tiny, scattered round holes in leaves, as if peppered with a pin. Most damaging on seedlings and young plants. The beetles themselves are 2–3 mm, shiny black, and jump when disturbed.
Prevention
Cover seedlings with fine insect mesh (enviromesh) immediately after sowing and leave it in place until plants are established. Keep soil consistently moist; dry conditions strongly favour flea beetles.
Treatment
Neem oil spray applied in early morning when beetles are sluggish. Remove plant debris and weeds where adults overwinter. If damage is severe on seedlings, resow under mesh.