Identifying and Controlling Small Black Bugs on Tomato Plants

As a tomato grower, few things are more frustrating than walking out to your garden and finding swarms of small black bugs crawling over your prized plants. While the tomato hornworm tends to get most of the attention, there are a variety of other insect pests that can infest your tomato patch. Learning to properly identify and manage these tiny black bugs is key to protecting your crop.

Common Small Black Bugs on Tomato Plants

Among the most likely culprits of small black bugs on tomato plants are:

Aphids

These tiny, soft-bodied insects cluster on stems and the undersides of leaves, sucking plant sap. Heavy infestations cause yellow, twisted, or stunted growth. Aphids secrete sticky honeydew which can lead to sooty mold. Common types include the potato aphid, melon aphid, and green peach aphid. They can rapidly reproduce to swarming populations.

Flea Beetles

These tiny (1/16 inch long) black beetles feast on tomato leaves, leaving small shot holes. They can completely skeletonize leaves and may transmit disease Common culprits are the potato flea beetle, eggplant flea beetle, and palestriped flea beetle.

Thrips

Slender brown or black winged thrips rasp and feed on leaves and flowers Leaves turn silver or bronze with dark fecal spots They may spread tomato spotted wilt virus. Onion thrips and western flower thrips commonly attack tomatoes.

Leaf-footed Bugs

Various species in this family have flattened expanding hind legs. They use piercing mouthparts to suck juices from tomatoes, causing wilting, spots, or abortion of fruit. Immature stages are tiny black bugs. Leaffooted bugs are true bugs, not beetles.

Leafhoppers

These small (1/4 inch), wedge-shaped bugs dart quickly when disturbed. They feed on plant sap, causing white stippling or yellow curling of leaves. Leafhoppers also transmit disease. The potato leafhopper and aster leafhopper are common tomato pests.

Carefully inspect plants to note any wings, cornicles, leg shape, or otherdetails to pinpoint which specific black bugs are present Submit samples to local extension agents if you need help with identification.

Managing and Controlling Black Bugs on Tomato Plants

Once you’ve identified the black bugs infesting your tomatoes, you can take targeted steps to reduce their damage:

• Handpick larger bugs and egg masses to control isolated infestations. Drop them in soapy water.

• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays to safely knock down aphid populations. Repeat applications are needed.

• Apply small amounts of horticultural oil to suffocate eggs and newly hatched nymphs. Monitor for plant injury.

• Use floating row covers at planting to exclude early season pests like flea beetles, aphids, or leafhoppers.

• Apply kaolin clay sprays to deter flea beetles, thrips, and other piercing-sucking pests. The white barrier camouflages plants.

• Use reflective mulches like aluminum foil to confuse flying pests and disrupt egg-laying behaviors.

• Attract beneficial insects like lady beetles, lacewings, and syrphid flies which prey on aphids and other small insects.

• Monitor for buildup of sooty mold fungus and prune away affected leaves and stems.

• As a last resort, use targeted synthetic insecticides, rotating chemical classes to reduce resistance.

• Remove spent plants promptly after harvest to disrupt pest life cycles.

With persistence and an integrated approach, you can manage the swarms of tiny black bugs plaguing your tomatoes. Always start with the least-toxic options first. Pay close attention while scouting plants to identify any resurgences of pests. By responding promptly at the first signs of infestation, you can avoid losing your precious tomato crop to these common backyard pests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Small Black Bugs on Tomatoes

If those tiny black insects are swarming your tomato plants, you probably have some questions about identification and control. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How do I know if the bugs are harmful to my tomato plants?

In general, an accumulation of small black bugs clustered on your plants will impair growth and production. The exceptions are beneficial insects like ladybugs or ground beetles. Carefully monitor plants for signs of damage like stunted growth, spots, yellowing, or wilting which indicates problematic pests.

What are those tiny black bugs that jump when I touch the leaves?

Jumping, dashing bugs are likely flea beetles or leafhoppers. Use sticky cards or beat tray sampling to capture some for identification. Check for damage like chewed holes or white stippling.

What causes the sticky black substance on some of my tomato leaves?

That honeydew or sooty mold is caused by sap-sucking pests like aphids, whiteflies, or soft scales. Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems for the culprits. Prune away heavily coated leaves.

How do these small black bugs get onto my tomato plants in the first place?

Some overwinter nearby while others migrate in. Tomatoes and related plants attract common pests. Starting with insect-free transplants and controlling weeds helps reduce infestations. Use row covers to exclude early season invaders.

Is it okay to eat tomatoes with black bugs on the plant?

Produce should be washed well before eating to remove dirt and any bugs. As long as the plant was healthy, tomatoes formed before or after the infestation will be safe to eat. Just cut away any portions with damage.

Staying vigilant to monitor for and identify black tomato pests can help you react promptly to protect your crop. Combine multiple tactics like row covers, beneficial insects, and targeted sprays for the most effective control. With persistence, you can tip the balance in favor of your healthy, productive tomato plants.