How to Control Cucumber Beetles on Cucurbits

Cucumber beetles are 1/4-inch yellow-green insects with black stripes or spots that attack cucumbers, squash, melons, and pumpkins all season. They chew holes in leaves, feed on flowers, and their larvae eat roots. Worst of all, they transmit bacterial wilt, which causes plants to wilt and die, often showing a stringy white sap when cut.

Control Methods

Row covers: Protect seedlings in early spring; remove when plants grow large or heat arrives.

Hand-picking: Knock beetles into soapy water for light infestations.

Fall sanitation: Compost dead foliage and till soil to reduce overwintering adults.

Attract beneficials: Plant marigolds, calendula, sunflowers, daisies, alyssum, or dill to draw predators.

Insecticidal soaps: Kill beetles on contact but need frequent reapplication.

Insecticides: Several effective products available; follow label directions.