23 



Remedial measures should be applied before the leaves begin 

 to curl (see plant lice, page 11). 



5. Striped cucumber beetle, Diabrotica vittata Fab. 



When young cucurbits appear above ground they are often 

 destroyed by over-wintered black and yellow striped beetles 

 less than one-quarter of an inch in length, known commonly as 

 striped cucumber beetles. 



Control. — During the early part of the season plants in 

 gardens may be protected if grown beneath a cheesecloth- 

 covered frame. This frame is made by cutting a barrel hoop 

 in two, crossing these half hoops at right angles, and inserting 

 the ends in the ground around the hill. The lower edges of the 

 cheesecloth covering this frame must be held down by stones 

 in order to prevent the beetles from gaining entrance. When 

 the plants begin to run remove the covers and thoroughly 

 spray the upper and under surfaces of the leaves with arsenate 

 of lead, as recommended on page 4. 



6. Squash bug, Anasa tristis DeG. 



This very common pest of cucurbits is dark brown in color 

 and about three-quarters of an inch in length. The brownish 

 egg-clusters are deposited on the under side of the leaves. 

 The light grayish nymphs and adult bugs suck the plant juices, 

 causing the leaves to tm-n brown and die. 



Control. — Early in the season careful search should be made 

 for the egg-clusters, which are readily seen, and these should 

 be cut out and destroyed. The adult bugs cannot be killed by 

 insecticides, but the nymphs may be controlled by spraying 

 with whale-oil or fish-oil soap solution, 1 pound to 5 gallons 

 of water. The adults may be readily trapped by placing small 

 pieces of boards or similar shelters near the vines. The bugs 

 collect under these shelters at night for protection, and may be 

 destroyed after dark or early in the morning. 



7. Squash vine borer, Melittia satyriniformis Hbn. 



This insect is especially destructive to pumpkins and 

 squashes, although melons and cucumbers may be attacked. 

 Damage by this insect results from the larvae boring in the 

 stalk. This injury frequently results in the death of the stalk, 

 and always causes a loss of vitality. 



