What to use to kill fleas on cabbage? - briefly
Use a neem‑oil spray or a pyrethrin‑based insecticide, applied according to label directions, to eradicate flea infestations on cabbage. For lasting protection, alternate with a dusting of organic sulfur.
What to use to kill fleas on cabbage? - in detail
Effective control of flea‑like pests on cabbage requires a combination of chemical, biological, and cultural measures.
Synthetic insecticides such as spinosad, lambda‑cyhalothrin, or pyrethrins provide rapid knock‑down. Apply according to label rates, typically 0.5–1 ml L⁻¹ of spray solution, covering foliage thoroughly during the early morning or late afternoon to minimize plant stress. Re‑treatment at 7‑day intervals is necessary if infestation persists.
Organic alternatives include neem oil, insecticidal soap, and diatomaceous earth. Neem oil, diluted to 1–2 % active ingredient, interferes with feeding and reproduction; repeat applications every 5–7 days protect new growth. Insecticidal soap, prepared at 2–3 % concentration, suffocates soft‑bodied stages; thorough coverage of leaf undersides is essential. Diatomaceous earth, applied as a fine dust on soil and leaf surfaces, abrades the exoskeleton of crawling insects; re‑apply after rain or irrigation.
Biological agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) target larval stages. Apply a suspension of 1 g L⁻¹ onto foliage; efficacy peaks when larvae are actively feeding, usually within 10–14 days after emergence.
Cultural practices reduce pest pressure without chemicals. Rotate cabbage with non‑brassicaceous crops for at least two seasons to disrupt the life cycle. Install floating row covers early in the season to exclude adult insects; remove covers when plants flower to allow pollination. Maintain clean field margins, eliminating volunteer brassicas and weeds that serve as alternate hosts. Mulch with straw or shredded leaves creates a barrier that hampers adult movement and egg laying.
Monitoring is critical. Use yellow sticky traps placed at canopy height to detect adult activity; a count exceeding 5 traps per 100 m² signals the need for intervention. Scouting every 3–4 days during peak periods (April–June) identifies early damage, allowing timely treatment before populations expand.
Integrated pest management (IPM) combines these tactics: begin with cultural prevention, supplement with biological or low‑toxicity products, and reserve synthetic insecticides for severe outbreaks. Record all applications, rates, and observed efficacy to refine future decisions and comply with residue regulations.