What are cucumber beetles?

There are two types of cucumber beetles that belong to the Diabrotica family. Striped or spotted cucumber beetle varieties are considered to be harmful garden pests and can cause extensive damage not only of cucumber plants, but also for many other vegetables and decorative plants. They are yellow-green or orange with black stripes or spots and are relatively small-only 1/4 inches (6.4 mm) long. Cucumber beetles damage the vegetation in the larva stage by eating small, fine young plants when they emerge from the soil and playing into the ground and feeding the roots. Adults eat flowers, leaves and stems of larger plants. Other cucumbers such as squash and melons are particularly prone to damage to these beetles and their larvae. The most attractive are plants that have yellow flowers, including beans and tomatoes. These mistakes often visit eggplant, asparagus, cabbage and peas.

striped cucumber beetle often over the winters in the SEThe vizard and begins to attack plants early in the spring when the temperature reaches about 65 ° Fahrenheit (18 ° Celsius). Spotted cucumber beetle is found throughout the year in the southern areas, but north at the beginning of summer to cause its damage. She also appears in the south several weeks after a striped variety. Circular beetles often spend winters in corn fields and compost piles where they can spread bacterial wilts and mosaics that live in cold winters in their intestines. These diseases then spread to crops next season.

Cucumber beetles can be controlled by growing plants that repel them, including radishes, Calendula, Morligolds and Catnip. This can help prevent cucumber beetles from damaging the other nearby Plmravenci. These beetles also have many natural predators such as nematodes, beetles and braconide wasps. Ladybugs are also beneficial because they eat eggs. These insects can be purchased and introduced into an area with a cucumber beetle.

existE Many other ways to discourage cucumber beetles without the use of harmful chemicals. Some gardeners and farmers spread onion or wooden ash on the ground near their plants. Spray containing hot peppers and garlic can also help discourage beetles. For severe contamination, chemicals such as rottenone or pyrethrum may be necessary, although they cannot be used on sensitive cucumber plants.