Watermelon Insects
Watermelon Insects
Seed Corn Maggot
Legless maggots attack seeds before or shortly after germination. No chemical control is listed.
Spotted Cucumber Beetle
Spotted cucumber beetle is yellow-green with 12 black spots on its back. The adults feed on young plants and larvae feed on the roots. High populations stunt or kill plants. Use sprays of Malathion(1) or Rotenone(1). Sevin dust may be used but be sure to read precautionary statements.
Striped Cucumber Beetle
Striped cucumber beetle is yellow with black stripes and is a carrier for bacterial wilt. Plants are infected when the beetles feed. The insects may dig for emerging sprouts. Use sprays of Rotenone(1) or Malathion(1). Applications of Sevin dust may be used but be sure to read any precautionary statements.
Aphids
Dark bluish green aphids suck juices from the leaves. The leaves curl downward and plants are stunted. Aphids transmit cucumber mosaic. Use sprays of Malathion(1), Diazinon(3), or Rotenone(1).
Thrips
Thrips are small, cream to brownish insects which rasp the undersides of leaves. The feeding causes deterioration of vines stressed from maturing the crop or by other factors. The damage is worse in dry seasons. Thrips are controlled with sprays of Diazinon(3).
Mites
Mites are tiny insects causing yellow specks and fine webs on the leaves. Heavy infestations stunt plants. Spider mites are controlled with sprays of Malathion(1), or Diazinon(3).
Flea Beetles
These black or dark colored insects eat small holes in the leaves giving a shothole effect. No chemical control is listed for this pest.
