Re: cuke beetles

The most effective chemical on cucumber beetle is Lambda-cyhalothrin (aka Warrior T or Scimitar)  These are not readily available to the average home gardner.  However, Triaicide has a small percentage of this chemical in it.  Usually you can buy Triaicide from Home Depot or other places that sell chemicals to home gardners. Lamda-cyhalothri is a synthetic pyrethrum and is used in food production. It is long lasting and the ready to harvest is usually around 21 days after a treatment of Lambda-cyhalothrin.  I don't use Scimitar or Warror T for several reasons.  One they are very expensive and a whiskey shot glass of Warrior T is all I would need for a season.  It usually is sold in 2 1/2 gal. jugs so it comes in a volume way to large for my use.  I use Triacide at 2 and three times the recommended rate and have good success in knocking back the cucumber beetle.  Also, using Imidichloprin (Merit) as a drench, it works as a systemic and gives me a double punch in knocking out the cuke beetle and other pests.  What I have experienced is that Triacide and a treatment of Merit keeps me cucumber beetle free for at least two weeks.  These treatments also seem to be effective against squash bugs.  Another factor to consider, is to be as effective as possible when applying a chemical. Use a sprayer that will put out a pattern that will coat the top and bottom and even the stems of the plants.  I like to mix a cocktail of Triacide and Neptunes harvest together.  I've had good results by doing this.  I find that the best time to spray is around 5pm, there is still enough activity of the cuke beetle to get nailed as well as very little activity of honey bees which I try to protect.  I might mention that I am certified and licensed by the state to buy and spray restricted chemicals. I have a little background in this area.

Hope this helps.


---- Jason Thomas <j.endlesstrail@gmail.com> wrote: 
> I think pyrethrins work on soft-bodied insects like aphids and not beetles.
> Usually the product labelling will list the insects that it is effective on.
> 
> On Wed, Jul 28, 2010 at 10:43 AM, Debbie Runkle <yorunk13@att.net> wrote:
> 
> > I purchased Spectracide Garden Insect Killer containing 0.3% Pyrethrins.
> >  I'm
> > guessing that I purchased the wrong stuff?  I sprayed a couple of nights
> > ago and
> > they are still around.
> >
> > Debbie
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: Russ Stokes <rstokes@wi.rr.com>
> > To: pumpkins@hort.net
> > Sent: Sun, July 25, 2010 6:27:10 PM
> > Subject: Re: cuke beetles
> >
> > I have been growing squash, pumpkins, gourds for a long time.  Cucumber
> > beetles
> > on your plant is a sure sign that if not treated promptly, more than likely
> > you
> > will get bacterial wilt.  The bacteria proliferates while the beetle
> > ingests
> > from an infected leaf and then passes the disease to the other leaves,
> > until you
> > have a stunted dying plant.  Here is what I recommend:
> > Purchase Bayer Advance Fruit, Citrus and Vegetable Insect Control.  It
> > contains
> > Imidacloprid (Merit)  I usually use the recommended dosage, dump this in a
> > 5
> > gallon bucket and fill the bucket with water.  Then for each plant I slowly
> > dump
> > the contents around the base of the plants.  This is a systemic insecticide
> > so
> > it usually will kill insects that bite into the plant.  I then thoroughly
> > spray
> > the leaves with Triazicide, again I use the recommended rate.  I do all of
> > this
> > either in early morning or in the evening.  These two controls works well
> > on
> > cuke beetle, squash bug and other pests.  Make sure you protect yourself
> > from
> > the chemicals by wearing protective clothing or at least where long pants
> > and a
> > shirt with glasses. The chemical in Triazicide is a synthetic pyrethrum and
> > if
> > it touches the skin you will feel a burning sensation and itch.  Good Luck.
> >
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