Striped and spotted cucumber beetles can cause serious losses in squash and cucumbers because they carry the pathogen (disease-causing organism) that causes a bacterial wilt disease of cucurbits. Begin cucumber beetle control as soon as seedlings emerge. Early treatment is essential for beetle management. Repeated applications of insecticides are necessary to protect plants.
There is usually a peak in beetle activity each spring that lasts two to four weeks. Applications of foliar insecticides may be required twice per week during peak beetle activity. As an alternative, row covers, screens, or cones can be placed over small plants to physically protect them from beetle feeding and disease transmission. Contact your local Extension office for insecticide recommendations.
You may want to read the following extension publication from the University of Kentucky: Cucumber Beetles.
