How to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles From a Garden

Cucumber beetles are easily mistaken for sweet ladybugs. Ladybugs are good for a garden's health, but cucumber beetles are the antithesis. They look like harmless little critters, but they will destroy your garden. Don't let the name fool you. They will eat everything in your garden from cucumbers to sunflowers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gloves
• Insecticide

1. Fix the problem before it starts. The best tip for keeping cucumber beetles at bay is to treat plants when they are just seedlings. There are several insecticides available on the market. Talk to your local garden specialists to find a product that will work best for you.

2. Take a leaf from your plant into a nursery if it is being eaten. Also take a bug with you. Cucumber beetles look identical (to the untrained eye) to ladybugs, with the exception of an orange shell instead of red. The experts in the nursery will be able to identify the little pest.

3. Treat your plants with an organic pesticide. Specialized nurseries will carry organic items. Organic pesticides can be used anytime, but the best time is around harvest. Organic pesticides are human friendly, and it is okay to consume your produce with just a quick wash.

4. Use a chemical, non-organic pesticide if you cannot find an organic treatment. Non-organic pesticides are dangerous to humans. Follow package directions carefully. Most pesticides have a waiting period for eating produce after it has been treated.

5. Do not stop treating for these pesky bugs. Just because the problem has been resolved does not mean that you are free from cucumber beetle problems the rest of the growing season. Continue to treat all of your garden plants with insecticide until the growing season is over. This will guarantee that the beetles will not return until next year.

Tips & Warnings

• Do an Internet search to find a nursery. Organic nurseries can be found in local towns and as Internet-based businesses.
• Use waterproof gloves when applying pesticide.
• Use caution when using insecticides. Follow product directions carefully.
• Always wash produce thoroughly before eating.