What should be used against soil fleas? - briefly
Apply a targeted insecticide containing pyrethroids or neem oil to the affected soil, following label directions for dosage and safety. Ensure thorough soil moisture control and regular sanitation to prevent reinfestation.
What should be used against soil fleas? - in detail
Soil fleas, small wingless insects that thrive in moist organic substrate, require a multi‑step approach for effective control.
First, reduce habitat suitability. Keep the growing medium well‑drained, avoid over‑watering, and remove decaying plant material that serves as food. Incorporate coarse sand or perlite to improve aeration and lower humidity levels.
Second, apply chemical agents when infestations exceed economic thresholds. Recommended products include:
- Pyrethroid dusts (e.g., bifenthrin % 0.1) applied to the surface and worked into the top 2 cm of soil.
- Neem‑based insecticidal soaps, diluted according to label instructions and sprayed onto foliage and soil surface.
- Insect growth regulators such as methoprene, mixed into irrigation water at 0.5 mg L⁻¹ to interrupt larval development.
Third, employ biological controls. Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Stratiolaelaps scimitus) that feed on flea eggs and larvae. Apply commercially available nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) to moist soil; they penetrate and kill immature stages within 24 hours.
Fourth, implement cultural practices. Rotate crops, replace heavily infested soil with sterilized substrate, and quarantine new plant material before introduction to existing beds.
Finally, monitor populations regularly using sticky traps placed at soil level and by inspecting plant roots for characteristic damage. Record counts; if numbers exceed 5 fleas per trap over a 7‑day period, repeat the chosen control measure.
Combining habitat modification, targeted chemicals, biological agents, and diligent scouting provides the most reliable suppression of soil flea populations.