Cuke Beetle Trap

[johno]

This summer the cuke beetles weren't too bad. But at the end of summer, suddenly there were clouds of them. My stomach turned thinking about all the eggs they were laying for next year. I noticed that they were particularly thick around the egg gourds, which were volunteers anyway, so I gathered them all up, cracked them open, and stuffed 'em into a bright yellow toolbox (left open, of course). Then I dusted the interior with rotenone, making sure to get it into all the crevises where the beetles like to go. I'm still seeing some, but the clouds have disappeared.

Cuke beetles are attracted to the bitterness of gourds and bright yellow objects...

As I don't want to take a chance on how many eggs they might have already laid, I'm temporarily suspending my no-till policy. I'll be tilling all the beds this fall to reduce the number of eggs that will hatch next year. And keeping my fingers crossed...

[canadamike]

That sounds like a plan to me. Are you planning to do it on very cold days?

[ohiorganic]

Brilliant Johno

have you tried beneficial nematodes? they do a good job controlling eggs laid in the soil as well as grubs. I have used them with good success in the past and would use them this fall but they need damp conditions and we are bone dry this fall.

[johno]

Mike - Cold, warm, I have just been leaving it out there. Why do you ask? When I no longer see them at all, I'll remove it.

Ohio - I have not tried ben. nematodes. I'm concerned about them needing ideal conditions and afraid I wouldn't get my money's worth because of that. However, I have heard great things about them and have considered it many times..

[canadamike]

I was not clear, sorry. I mean turning the soil on colder days, in fact freezing days if possible, if you have frost in this period where you live.