Here are a couple cucumber beetles getting acquainted in a cucumber flower.
They're nasty little pests for sure, somewhat deceiving for how small they are! They attack cucumber plants, squash plants, pumpkin and melon plants too. Their larva feed on the roots of the plants, while the adults feed on the leaves, vines and fruit. They hold another threat too - they carry and spread a disease called bacterial wilt, where infected plants begin to wilt and die.
Some folks spray their plants to help control these pests but since I only have handful of plants I hand pick them. Although, this is challenging too. I've found that their initial defense is to simply fall, so if you can get your hand underneath their location before they notice, they'll fall right into your hand. At that point a quick squeeze between two fingers and done!
The joys of gardening!
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