img_2496

Q&A – What’s the Big Deal with Cucumber Beetles Anyway? Why Are You Trying to Trap Them?

This is a question I received in response to our blog post about cucumber beetle traps. I realized I hadn’t really explained why I’m so concerned with these and wanted to share the answer in a blog post. 

“I find your cucumber beetle cups interesting. I’ve looked a little and did some shopping carts. I haven’t bought anything yet. Do the beetles do enough damage to warrant spending $15-$25 in trap supplies? I haven’t ever had an issue. but I did find some bugs today on my cucs…but they look good (for now). I also found a little of this when I was googling. “They are very hard to hand pick, but it is easier to hand pick them with yellow gloves coated in petroleum jelly.” do you think dish gloves and petroleum jelly would work too?”

– Lori from Oklahoma City

 

Hey Lori – I’m glad you asked this. I realize now I never really explained why I’m going through all the trouble of building traps to catch these critters. Honestly, I had the same thoughts when I first encountered them as well. It didn’t appear that they did that much damage (like a hornworm or caterpillar) so I just ignored them. What I later came to find out was that the biggest problem with them is that they spread disease. Think of it almost like a tick with humans. It isn’t the bite of the tick that causes a problem, it’s the diseases they carry and the transmission of those diseases during the bite. It works the same way with cucumber beetles and susceptible plants. The yellow glove trick would probably work, but I’ve got plants spread all across the garden and these traps save me a ton of time in hunting them down. I hope this helps!

P.S. Check to see if your local Sam’s Club has the yellow solo cups. That’s where I bought mine and got enough to last me a long, long time. 

Dale

cuc_bugs

More info about cucumber beetles can be found at the links below:

https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/garden/control-cucumber-beetles

http://www.almanac.com/pest/cucumber-beetles

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

One thought on “Q&A – What’s the Big Deal with Cucumber Beetles Anyway? Why Are You Trying to Trap Them?

Leave a Reply

On Key

Related Posts

Welcome to the Juicing Garden: Where Flavor Meets Health

Welcome to the Juicing Garden! This is where flavor meets health in a big, delicious splash. Imagine chilling in the coolest, greenest spot in town, sipping on the freshest juices that taste like sunshine in a glass. Zesty, sweet, or earthy – we’ve got it all. New to juicing or already a fan? Doesn’t matter, you’re gonna love it here. We’re all about keeping it fun, fresh, and full of good vibes. So drop by, kick back, and let’s dive into some juicy goodness together. Get ready to feel awesome – it’s juicing time!

Added to the App: Unveiling the Beauty of Coneflowers in Your Garden

Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are more than just a beautiful addition to your garden; they are a symbol of strength, health, and resilience. These hardy perennials, known for their distinctive daisy-like appearance and prominent cone-shaped centers, are the latest feature in the From Seed to Spoon app. As we delve into the enchanting world of Echinacea, we invite you to explore the vibrant shades and healing properties that make coneflowers a must-have in any garden.

Create a Deer-Resistant Garden with These Hardy Varieties

A deer-resistant garden is designed to be less appealing to deer, incorporating plants that deter these animals due to their strong scents, textures, or taste. Such a garden focuses on creating a beautiful and thriving outdoor space that minimizes the likelihood of deer damage. By selecting plants that are naturally less attractive to deer, gardeners can enjoy a lush landscape without the need for constant vigilance or protective measures. This approach allows for a harmonious coexistence with local wildlife while preserving the beauty and diversity of the garden.

New Flowers in the From Seed to Spoon App: Zinnias, Cosmos, Snapdragons, Sweet Peas & More

At From Seed to Spoon, we’re constantly updating our app to ensure that your gardening experience is as fruitful and enjoyable as possible. This season, we’re thrilled to introduce four splendid flowers that are sure to add color, texture, and fragrance to your green space. Let’s explore the unique characteristics and gardening tips for Zinnias, Cosmos, Snapdragons, and Sweet Peas – the latest blooms in our gardening app.

Elevate Your Burger Game with the Burger Garden Collection

The Burger Garden is a unique culinary creation, designed to provide all the fresh toppings for the ultimate homemade burger. It’s a compact oasis of flavor, where each plant is chosen for its contribution to the burger’s taste and texture. This garden not only offers a continuous harvest of gourmet ingredients but also embodies the delight of garden-to-table cooking, all within the reach of your backyard.