Adult cucumber beetles are 5 to 6 mm in length. Eggs are laid in groups of 25-50, are yellow in colour, oval in shape, and measure about 0.35 mm in width. They are often deposited in cracks in the soil, but can also be found under leaf surfaces.

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Remove and crush beetles and their larvae wherever you see them. Some gardeners protect tender plants in the cucurbit family with row covers or other clear barriers that allow in sun and rain. The Garden also recommends the following organic insecticide:

• 2 hot peppers

• 1 large onion

• 1 whole bulb of garlic

• 1/4 cup water

Mash in blender, then mix into 1 gallon of hot (not boiling) water. Stir. Rest for 14 hours. Filter and spray on plants and surrounding soil.