cucurbit pest control - Ask Extension
Hi, I live in summit county. I'm looking for advice on organic methods and schedules for controlling cucumber beetles as well as what I think may be a...
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cucurbit pest control #880143
Asked August 04, 2024, 2:00 PM EDT
Hi, I live in summit county. I'm looking for advice on organic methods and schedules for controlling cucumber beetles as well as what I think may be a species of stink bug which have been feeding on my cucurbits (summer and winter squash, cucumbers, and melons). I have limited space for rotation (standard city lot). I have been gardening at my current location for four years, and my cucurbits generally develop wilt before setting a good crop. I am familiar with applying nematodes and foliar sprays, but I'm not sure of the correct timing for these specific pests. I'd also like to limit any harm to beneficial insects, so would prefer nematodes or bacteriological methods over e.g. pyrethrin, though I am familiar with applying the latter. Picking them off individually has not been effective. Any advice on control methods and when to apply, as well as resistant varieties of cucurbits which might do well in my area, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Summit County Ohio
Expert Response
Good afternoon and thank you for your question. These beetles can definitely be a pain. I have a feeling you are dealing with squash bugs, rather than stink bugs, but if you have a photo, we can confirm. Here is a factsheet for your reference: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit-and-vegetable-insects/squash-bugs
Beetles have chewing mouthparts and stink bugs/squash bugs have sucking mouthparts, so management of these pests will vary depending on what you are using. For example if you are using a biocontrol that needs to be ingested, it will not work for the sucking pests because they are bypassing the external leaf material with their piercing sucking mouthparts to access the phloem. You will not likely find one thing to combat both pests.
Sanitation is key, remove infested plant material and destroy. If you are using raised beds, remove old soil which will harbor overwintering stages of these insects. You could definitely try barriers such as row covers and mulches to keep populations down. Vacuuming could also be a alternative to hand picking. You can use panty hose in the vacuum hose to collect the insects, then toss in a bucket of soapy water. Here is a resource on the cucumber beetles: https://eorganic.org/node/5307
Biological control is tricky and not always an effective method, especially against the adult beetles. The timing will vary depending on what you are using. Ordering biologicals from a reputable company will ensure you are receiving viable spores/bacteria and/or live parasites.
I wish you all the best with your vegetable garden. Thanks.
Beetles have chewing mouthparts and stink bugs/squash bugs have sucking mouthparts, so management of these pests will vary depending on what you are using. For example if you are using a biocontrol that needs to be ingested, it will not work for the sucking pests because they are bypassing the external leaf material with their piercing sucking mouthparts to access the phloem. You will not likely find one thing to combat both pests.
Sanitation is key, remove infested plant material and destroy. If you are using raised beds, remove old soil which will harbor overwintering stages of these insects. You could definitely try barriers such as row covers and mulches to keep populations down. Vacuuming could also be a alternative to hand picking. You can use panty hose in the vacuum hose to collect the insects, then toss in a bucket of soapy water. Here is a resource on the cucumber beetles: https://eorganic.org/node/5307
Biological control is tricky and not always an effective method, especially against the adult beetles. The timing will vary depending on what you are using. Ordering biologicals from a reputable company will ensure you are receiving viable spores/bacteria and/or live parasites.
I wish you all the best with your vegetable garden. Thanks.
