Black bugs IDHelp

[Kroo88]

Have recently had an infestation of a small black bug. They completely decimated some pea plants in one day.

They’ve moved onto the cabbage now.

Any help identifying them would be appreciated.

I’m a newbie here.

 

[Chuck]

Looks like a fairly severe case of aphids. You can kill them with alcohol or soapy water but I prefer to use an organic pesticide with spinosad as its active ingredient because of its residual effect. And if you have aphids cabbage loopers are not far behind and spinosad takes care of them too.

 

[Chuck]

After looking at them again they might also be flea beetles. Spinosad works on them too.

 

[DirtMechanic]

It appears you have cornered the black bug market. Ditto spinosad. Good safe stuff.

 

[RMR]

Oh my gosh, I have the same problem! I was specifically looking for answers on these bugs and what to do about them. So glad for the advice from the more savvy gardeners out there!

 

[Marck]

Greetings, welcome to the Forums.

Crucifer Flea Beetles (Phyllotreta cruciferae and other related species) are small black Flea Beetles (Alticini, Chrysomelidae) known to feed on many members of the Crucifer Family (Brassicaceae), including cultivated species of Brassica, such as Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, Turnips, etc.