12 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles [Effective Home Remedies]
Cucumber beetles are a group of colorful beetles that cause huge damage to various plants like beans, cucumber, asparagus, melon, etc. There are two main types of cucumber beetles – striped and spotted.
Both types are very small in size, about 1/5th of an inch, but they can easily cause massive damage to a garden. The adult beetles chew on the leaves of these plants, while the larvae eat the roots. They also often carry harmful bacteria that can cause bacterial wilt.
Therefore, it is essential to get rid of cucumber beetles from your garden, if you notice them. In this article, we have listed some of the best natural ways to get rid of cucumber beetles from your garden.
How To Get Rid of Cucumber Beetles Naturally?
Below are 12 effective natural ways to get rid of silverfish bugs. These methods include homemade spray, sticky traps, and several other natural solutions and homemade remedies to control cucumber beetles naturally.
1. Vacuum
One of the easiest ways to get rid of cucumber beetles from your crops is to vacuum them up using a handheld vacuum.
This method is fast and easy and does not pose any harm to the plant.
However, for this method to be effective, you must vacuum up the beetles for a few days in a row, until they are all gone
Required Items
Step by Step Process
- Start by identifying the leaves that have been affected by the cucumber beetles.
- Use a handheld vacuum to suck up all the beetles from the leaves.
- Discard the contents of the vacuum into a plastic bag and discard it far away from your home.
- Repeat the vacuuming process for a few days in a row until you see that all the beetles are gone.
Precautions
This method is best used for smaller infestations. If there are too many beetles, you may use another method along with this method for the best results.
2. Diatomaceous earth powder
Diatomaceous earth is a fine white powder that is extremely effective against various garden insects including cucumber beetles.
The powder is fine to the touch but has microscopic shards that pierce through the body of the beetle when they walk over it.
Eventually, the powder dehydrates the beetles, which kills them.
Required Items
- Diatomaceous earth powder
- Applicator
Step by Step Process
- Start by identifying the leaves that are affected by cucumber beetles. Don’t forget to check the underside of the leaves.
- Use an applicator to dust diatomaceous earth powder on both sides of the affected leaves.
- Also, dust some diatomaceous earth around the plants on the ground.
- Do not water the plant for the next 24 hours or so. Re-apply the powder if it washes off.
Precautions
Always re-apply the powder after rain or if it gets wet.
3. Kaolin clay as a Natural repellent for Cucumber Beetles
Kaolin clay is a fine white powder that can help keep cucumber beetles away from your plants.
When you cover your plants with kaolin clay, the beetles cannot bite through the leaves, which prompts them to go away.
This is a good method since kaolin clay is completely organic and safe for humans.
Required Items
- Kaolin clay
- Water
- Spray bottle
Step by Step Process
- Add 1 gallon of water to a spraying can. Mix 3 cups of kaolin clay into the water, about a tablespoon at a time.
- Close the bottle and shake it well to mix everything together.
- Shake the bottle again before you start spraying the mixture on your plants. Cover the leaves, fruits, and the underside of the plants with clay.
- If it washes off for any reason, you must re-apply the mixture and allow it to dry completely.
Precautions
You must re-apply the spray if it washes off after a rain. You should also avoid overhead watering or sprinklers while using this method.
4. Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects are very important for every garden because they help control the population of unwanted pests including cucumber beetles.
The two most common beneficial insects used for cucumber beetle control are ground beetles and wolf spiders. Ground beetles eat the eggs and larvae of the cucumber beetles, while the wolf spiders attack the adults.
This is a highly efficient method as it gets rid of cucumber beetles and prevents them from coming back. You can usually buy beneficial insects from gardening stores.
Required Items
- Wolf spiders
- Ground beetles
Step by Step Process
- Release a few ground beetles in your garden during the start of the crop season. They will start to eat any cucumber beetle eggs and larvae right away.
- Release 2 to 3 wolf spiders later in the season if you notice any cucumber beetles in your garden.
- Keep enough wood piles and a few compost areas in your garden to encourage the growth of beneficial insects.
Precautions
Do not use any pesticide in your garden after releasing the beneficial insects to make sure they do not die easily.
5. Beneficial nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are tiny worms that occur naturally in soil. They help control the growth of various insects including the cucumber beetles.
When you release beneficial nematodes in the soil, they enter the larvae of the cucumber beetles and release symbiotic bacteria, which eventually kill them. This is a highly efficient method as it gets rid of both the larvae and adults.
Required Items
- Beneficial nematodes
- Water
Step by Step Process
- Always do this process at the beginning of the season when the beetles have not become adults yet.
- Mix the appropriate amount of water with the nematodes and stir the mixture thoroughly with a paint stirrer.
- Spread the mixture evenly throughout the garden in the recommended quantity.
- Within a few days, the beetle larvae will die.
- You may do another application later in the season if you notice any adult cucumber beetles in your garden.
Precautions
Always follow the instructions on the packet to ensure the right concentration of nematodes per square foot.
6. Homemade spray for cucumber beetles using Neem oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide derived from the neem plant. It is toxic to a variety of insects including cucumber beetles.
You can easily make a spray using neem oil at home to get rid of cucumber beetles. It is a highly effective method when used correctly. The spray must make contact with the beetles to kill them.
Required Items
Step by Step Process
- In a spray bottle, add 1 cup of water and 2 teaspoons of neem oil. Add a few drops of dish soap into the bottle as well.
- Close the bottle and shake it to mix everything together.
- Spray the mixture all over the plants including the underside. Try to spray the mixture at dawn or evening.
- Repeat the spraying process for 2 to 3 days until all the beetles are gone.
Precautions
While spraying the mixture, make sure that it comes in direct contact with the insects. The mixture will not work well if it does not come in contact with the beetles.
7. Homemade soapy spray to control cucumber beetles
Insecticidal soap spray is great for getting rid of various insects including cucumber beetles. You can easily make a spray with the soap at home to use in your garden.
Insecticidal soap contains one or more chemicals that are toxic to the beetles. So, when the spray comes in contact with the beetle, they get poisoned and die.
Required Items
- Insecticidal soap
- Water
- Garden spraying can
Step by Step Process
- Add the correct amount of soap to a gallon of water in a garden spraying can.
- Shake and mix the soap into the water thoroughly before using it.
- Spray the mixture all over your cucurbit plants that are affected by cucumber beetles. Make sure to cover the bottom of the leaves as well.
- If some beetles remain after one application, you can repeat the process again after 4 to 5 days.
Precautions
Do not spray this mixture inside any flowers, as it can affect the quality of the crop.
8. Pyrethrin
Pyrethrin is a natural pesticide derived from the chrysanthemum plant. It is highly toxic to pests like cucumber beetles.
When you spray pyrethrin directly on the beetles, they get poisoned and they die soon afterward.
It is an extremely effective method, so one application is usually enough to eliminate the cucumber beetle problem from your garden.
Required Items
- Pyrethrin concentrate
- Water
- Garden spraying can
Step by Step Process
- In a spraying can, add 3 tablespoons of pyrethrin concentrate per gallon of water.
- Close the can and mix everything together before using the spray.
- Spray the mixture directly on the beetles, making sure to coat them in the liquid.
- Do not forget to check the underside of the plants. Spray the mixture if you find any more beetles.
Precautions
Use this mixture in the dawn or in the evening to make sure that you don’t accidentally spray it on pollinators like bees.
9. Spinosad
Spinosad is a chemical produced naturally by soil bacteria. It is toxic to a number of insects including cucumber beetles.
You can easily buy spinosad concentrate and make your own spinosad spray at home for controlling cucumber beetles.
It is a very effective method, so usually, only one application is enough.
Required Items
- Spinosad
- Water
- Garden spraying bottle
Step by Step Process
- In a garden spraying can, add 4 tablespoons of spinosad concentrate per gallon of water.
- Mix everything together thoroughly before using it.
- Spray the mixture on all your cucurbit plants, concentrating on the areas that are most affected by the beetles.
- Also, spray the underside of the plants since many beetles hide in those areas.
- The cucumber beetles should die after one application, but if you continue seeing them on your plants, you can repeat the process after 2 weeks.
Precautions
Do not spray this mixture during the daytime to avoid killing beneficial insects like bees. Also, make sure to read the instructions to ensure the correct concentration.
10. Sticky traps as a Natural deterrent for Cucumber beetles
Sticky traps are a temporary but effective way to control cucumber beetles in your garden.
The beetles are attracted to the yellow color of the traps and when they fly towards them, they get trapped in the glue.
You can later discard the sticky trap once it is covered by the beetles. This method is usually used for smaller infestations.
Required Items
Step by Step Process
- Start by identifying the plants that have been affected by cucumber beetles.
- Peel the protective layer of the sticky traps and place them around the affected areas.
- Most of the beetles will start flying towards the trap and get stuck to them.
- Discard the traps after 3 to 4 days or once they become full of beetles. You can replace the traps if the beetles persist.
Precautions
This method will not eliminate all the cucumber beetles from your garden, so use it along with other methods for the best results.
11. Cayenne pepper & garlic spray to kill cucumber beetles naturally
Cayenne pepper is well known for its ability to ward off certain insects. Garlic is also known for its insecticidal properties.
Hence, when you make a homemade garlic and cayenne pepper mixture, it can work wonders for a cucumber beetle issue.
While this method cannot kill all the beetles, they will certainly stay off the plant after the application for a few weeks, because of the pungent scent.
Required Items
- Cayenne pepper powder
- Whole garlic
- Water
- Spray bottle
Step by Step Process
- Remove the cloves of two garlic and blend them with 1 cup of water.
- Strain the mixture through a fine cloth. Add it to a spray bottle.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and dilute the mixture with another cup of water.
- Close the bottle and shake it well to mix everything together.
- Spray the mixture directly on the affected leaves, making sure to coat the beetles in the mixture. The cucumber beetles will soon be gone.
- You can repeat the spraying process every week or two to keep the cucumber beetles away from your plants.
Precautions
This method will not kill the beetles, only repel them. So you must use preventative methods along with this method for best results.
12. Wood ash and lime natural spray to kill cucumber beetles
Lime is a corrosive chemical that can kill various insects including cucumber beetles on contact. Agricultural lime is a less corrosive version, which is suitable for garden use.
On the other hand, wood ash dries out any insects that walk on it. So it works like a repellant.
A combination of these two materials can easily help you control the cucumber beetle population in your garden.
Required Items
- Wood ash
- Agricultural lime
- Water
- Spraying can
Step by Step Process
- Always wear protective goggles and gloves before handling lime. Mix 1/2 cup of agricultural lime with 1 gallon of water and mix thoroughly.
- Spray the mixture directly on the affected leaves. You can also spray the underside of the plants.
- Spread wood ash on the plants after the lime mixture dries out. You can also put a ring of wood ash around the plant.
- Re-apply the lime solution after 2 weeks if you continue to see cucumber beetles on your plants.
Precautions
Lime is a de-acidifier, so do not use this method if your garden soil pH is too high.
How To Prevent Cucumber Beetles Naturally?
1. Till the ground during fall
After the crop season is over, cucumber beetles overwinter in the soil. Therefore, it is very important to till the ground in the fall to get rid of the cucumber beetles before the next season.
Tilling the soil helps expose the beetles to the outside, which kills them. Although this method cannot eliminate all the beetles, it helps reduce their population significantly.
2. Lay down mulch
Mulch is very important for preventing weed growth, but it is also important for preventing insects like cucumber beetles.
When you lay down mulch around your cucurbit plants, it helps prevent the beetles from laying their eggs in the soil. The mulch also prevents the beetles from overwintering in the soil.
3. Use row covers
Cucumber beetles lay their eggs in the soil, and once the larvae mature, they start crawling up the plants from the bottom.
Therefore, the strategic use of row covers is a great method for preventing cucumber beetles. Start using the row covers on your saplings and keep them on the plant until they are completely mature.
4. Use repellent crops
One of the most effective methods for preventing cucumber beetles is using a companion or repellent crop.
When you plant a companion crop such as marigold, nasturtium, catnip, etc., in between the cucurbit plants, they will release a strong smell that is disliked by beetles. So, using companion plants keep the beetles away effectively.
5. Plant late in the season
Another effective way to avoid cucumber beetles is by tricking them. If you plant your saplings in the ground early in the season, the beetles will start to eat the plants immediately.
However, if you wait a few weeks and plant them late in the season, the beetles will be gone by then.
Top 5 Best Natural Repellents for Cucumber Beetles
Final Words:
Cucumber beetles are extremely destructive, so they can easily ruin your crops in no time. So it is essential to get rid of them from your garden to protect your crops. It is also important to take the proper precautions to prevent them from coming back into your garden.
You can easily identify cucumber beetles by looking at them. So, if you notice any of these destructive insects in your garden, make sure to use the natural methods from this article to get rid of them properly.
