Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Beetles, cucumber beetles, southern corn rootworm
Question:	Over the past 4 years, my neighborhood has had serious problems getting rid of cucumber beetles. We've tried malathion, tobacco juice, lemon soap, etc. and nothing has worked. Can you suggest other remedies?
Answer:	There are plenty of ideas, but they should be adapted to the situation. As a start, please see the links (below) on our Web site. If the whole neighborhood is affected, an area-wide management solution might be the necessary, if you can get cooperation from everyone. If you are in an area with a lot of natural woodlots or prairies then there may not be any very good remedies. These beetles fly well and can come from a long way off so if you have the only blooming plants around then the adults may show up no matter what you do. If you are having trouble with the larvae then crop rotation or a soil insecticide may be needed.
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg182.html
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/b-1300.html
Image Link: **
Response by:	John A. Jackman
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.