Cucumber Beetles
Summer Gardening Tasks
Set out zinnias, cosmos, impatiens, and begonias for colorful flowers all summer long. Star jasmine is an evergreen vine that prefers some shade; its fragrant blossoms fill the June air with a sweet scent.
Finish planting the summer vegetable garden. Seeds of early corn and beans can go directly in the soil, while plants of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, melons, squash, cucumbers, and basil can be set out.
Spray roses every two weeks with Neem oil to keep leaves free of black spot and mildew. Water lawns deeply, preferably in the early morning hours, and set the mower blade to the highest position to reduce moisture loss during the summer.
Pest Control: Cucumber Beetles
Late spring marks the arrival of the Spotted Cucumber Beetle, a small green beetle that resembles a ladybug but is a harmful pest. They can cause significant damage to vegetable gardens quickly, targeting cucumbers, squash, melons, watermelons, and gourds. They feed on flowers, stems of young plants, leaves, and young fruits, and may also attack flowers like roses, dahlias, and zinnias.
Cucumber beetles overwinter as adults in weedy areas and become active when temperatures reach 55–65°F. They lay eggs at the base of plants, and larvae (rootworms) feed on roots. They can also spread plant diseases like bacterial wilt and squash mosaic virus.
Control Methods
- Floating row covers: Polyester fabric covers allow water and light through while keeping beetles off plants. Secure edges with soil and remove covers when plants bloom for pollination.
- Straw mulch: Discourages egg-laying and attracts predatory spiders and ground beetles. Avoid if squash bugs are present, as mulch may attract them.
- Yellow sticky traps: Attract and capture beetles, but monitor to avoid trapping beneficial insects.
- Trap flowers: Yellow and orange zinnias attract beetles; vacuum them during cool mornings or evenings when they move slowly.
- Hand-picking: Shake beetles into soapy water in the cool of the morning or evening.
- Neem oil: Acts as a repellent; spray once or twice weekly to deter feeding.
Take action now to prevent cucumber beetles from becoming a major problem in your garden.