flea beetle
noun
: any of a subfamily (Alticinae, especially genera Alticia and Epitrix) of small chrysomelid beetles with legs adapted for leaping that feed on foliage and include some that are agricultural pests
Examples of flea beetle in a Sentence
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Plant radishes around the base of tomato plant to trap flea beetles, sowing seeds a few weeks prior to setting tomatoes.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Its strong scent is also well-known as a deterrent for flea beetles and other common pests.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2026
Radishes Rapid growth makes radishes ideal as companion plants and trap crops, effective for drawing flea beetles, aphids, slugs, snails, harlequin bugs, and cabbage root maggots away from tomatoes, eggplant, brassicas, cucumbers, and squash.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 3 May 2026
Common Pests and Diseases Broccoli plants can be damaged by common insect pests, like caterpillars, aphids, flea beetles, and harlequin bugs, says Minter.
—Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Its strong scent is also well-known as a deterrent for flea beetles and other common pests.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2026
Radishes Rapid growth makes radishes ideal as companion plants and trap crops, effective for drawing flea beetles, aphids, slugs, snails, harlequin bugs, and cabbage root maggots away from tomatoes, eggplant, brassicas, cucumbers, and squash.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 3 May 2026
Common Pests and Diseases Broccoli plants can be damaged by common insect pests, like caterpillars, aphids, flea beetles, and harlequin bugs, says Minter.
—Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for flea beetle
Cite this Entry
“Flea beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flea%20beetle. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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