I was working in the garden yesterday and came across one of my nemesis “the striped cucumber beetle”. This ¼ inch long, yellow and black striped beetle can wreak havoc on any cucurbit which are cucumber, squash, pumpkin & melons. The larvae attack the roots of plants while the adult beetle feeds on the stem, foliage and flower buds. If the plant manages to survive, the beetle will then feed on the fruit. Not only do they do damage all by themselves they are also vectors for a disease known as bacterial wilt. Plants infected wilt quickly eventually leading to death.
Here’s what to do to stop this bad beetle from destroying your garden.
Start plants inside 4-6 weeks before your last date of frost. This gives the plants time to get established before the chance of being attacked.
If you previously had a cucumber beetle infestation make sure to plant in a new location in your garden.
Use a cucumber beetle pheromone lure attached to a sticky trap.
Mulch with straw to provide a good habitat for beneficial insects such as hunting spiders, web weaving spiders, soldier beetles and ground beetles.
Cover young plants with row cloth, making sure edges are buried in the soil.
As a last resort you can use any OMRI listed pyrethrum, but remember it also kills good bugs.
- I have also hand picked and dropped them into a vinegar and water solution. They are fast and drop to the ground the second they sense a predator. So you have to be on your game.