Wireworms, on one hand, are seed-feeding pests that are the soil-dwelling stage of another beetle called a click beetle. These could also be the source of your problems. Wireworms are about one inch long and are recognized by their long, slender worm-like bodies with six legs. Wireworms are usually controlled by a pre-plant application of a granular insecticide. Be sure to find a labeled insecticide that allows application prior to planting. Wireworm control will not affect the feeding of cucumber beetles after the young plants emerge. The two most common beetle species attacking cucumber in Texas are the spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) and the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vitata). Both species attack the above-ground parts of the plant as adults and the underground roots as larvae. Generally, the damage done by the adults is greatest and most control measures are directed toward adults. Because the most serious damage by these cucumber beetles is done early in the season, control can be accomplished by protecting young seedlings with floating row cover or by repeated dusting or spraying with an insecticide. Keeping a row-cover fabric over young plants may also discourage the adult beetles from laying their eggs in the soil at the base of the plants during this critical growth time for the plant.

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