Crops Affected: Cucumber, melon, and other curcurbits; corn, grass, legumes

States Affected: All states

Life Cycle: Cucumber beetles overwinter as adults and are active by the time the earliest melons are planted in spring. Adults lay eggs at the base of plants. As soon as they hatch, larvae begin to feed on plant roots. They complete their development in the soil. There are approximately three generations per year.

Damage: Adult cucumber beetles primarily target tender portions of plants such as flowers and leaves, leading to reduced marketable yield. High temperatures prompt them to feed on young melons' undersides, causing scarring. Mature melon skins are less susceptible. The crown and stems of young plants are also vulnerable to their damage, possibly necessitating replanting due to severe stand reductions. Larvae can cause significant harm by feeding on roots and may kill young plants. Additionally, cucumber beetles spread squash mosaic virus and bacterial wilt.

Season to Trap: April to September

How To Use: Hang trap with attached lure at shoulder height near at risk or affected crops. Replace lures every 30 days through the season, and replace traps when 70% saturated. Adult males are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the traps in this kit. Once they land on the sticky trap, they become ensnared, never to mate or lay eggs again.

For Banded Cucumber Beetle (Diabrotica balteata): use the lure pack PWL095 paired with trap pack PWT004. The Cucumber Beetle Kit is not effective for this species.

Additional IPM Solutions: Avoid practices that destroy or disrupt native beneficial insects. Utilize insecticides such as pyrethrins and neem during transplanting or when directly sown plants reach the second-true leaf stage until midsummer. During late summer, the risk of beetle damage decreases. Ensure the removal of debris to prevent adult insects from overwintering. Employ heavy mulching to deter egg-laying. Promptly remove plants infected with diseases. Implement trap crops and consider using barrier or floating row covers.