Knowledgebase

Getting cucumber beetles out of my roses #573752

Asked June 24, 2019, 6:38 PM EDT

I have cucumber beetles in my roses how can I manage them?

Benton County Oregon

Expert Response

The cucumber beetle is quite an alarming bug once the larvae hatch and your plants are covered with green beetles eating holes in the leaves. We always encourage the least-toxic methods for protection of your plants, the beneficial insects and yourself. Hand-picking, high-powered hosing-off of plants, insecticidal soaps (or kitchen-sink soapy water) can knock them down for a while. There are chemicals that will kill them (and most other insects including beneficial bees) so they are a last resort. You will find suggestions for all these methods, and a list of chemical treatments, in the links below. A browse through your nursery's insect spray aisle will come up with several commercial preparations - read the cautions and follow the labels.







Ann Kinkley, Linn County Master Gardener Replied June 25, 2019, 11:49 AM EDT

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