Flea Beetles

• Flea beetles eat small holes in the leaves. A common treatment for these bugs is dusting or spraying with the pesticides such as sevin, methoxychlor or diazinon. They must be fought on the plant and on the ground beneath it because they go to ground when they are evicted from the plant. Horticultural oils such as neem oil are also recommended for beetles. Flea beetles are small, less than 1/16 inch. They are especially fond of seedlings.
  
  

Aphids

• Aphids are small too. They are pear shaped. You will find them congregating on the undersides of the leaves, especially in the top growth. These bugs damage the plants by sucking the sap from the plants. Sometimes you can simply blast them off the plants with water or by misting them with a dish liquid and water solution. Horticultural soaps are also effective for control of aphids. Keep weeds out of the tomato beds to reduce habitat for aphids.
  
  

Stink Bugs

• Stinkbugs suck sap from the plant and juice from the fruit. The leave behind a white, concave spot where they have pierced the plant or fruit. The leaves may also wilt. Stink bugs are brown or green, and shield shaped. They may have reddish or pink markings. And, yes, they stink. Stinkbugs may be controlled using weekly sprays of endosulfan or pyrethrins. Some gardeners simply pull the bugs off the plants and squash them.
  
  

Homemade Pesticides:

• Some gardeners want to stay away from commercially prepared chemical pesticides. A number of homemade treatments can be made cheaply. Make a solution of 2 tbsp. each of vegetable oil, baking powder and laundry soap powder added to 1 gallon water. Spray this on all parts of the plant. Apply this frequently until the bugs are gone. This is especially effective for aphids. For beetles, try natural diatomaceous earth powder on the leaves. Grow catnip or mint near tomatoes to repel stink bugs.