Watch your garden closely for the presence of the striped cucumber beetles. They have the ability to destroy your cucumbers and melons very quickly. Beans, peas, and corn may also be damaged.

Striped Cucumber beetles may attack the plants just as they are coming up. If the plants survive this, later feeding on the leaves, vines and fruits may cause serious problems. The beetles are also capable of transmitting bacterial wilt and cucumber mosaic disease.

The adult beetle is about 1/4 inch in length with alternate black and yellow stripes on the back. Light dust or spray applications of Sevin or Methoxychlor will control the beetles. Diazinon can also be used to control the cucumber beetles. Since cucumber and melon leaves can be injured by applying an excessive amount of chemicals, apply only a light spray to the plants.

This page was last updated April 2003

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