Pest Control Library: Pickleworm

Articles→Pest Control Library

By National Gardening Association Editors

This caterpillar is mainly a problem in the southeastern United States. It feeds on the blossoms, stems, and developing fruits of summer squash, and occasionally cucumbers and muskmelons. The adult moths emerge in spring after overwintering as pupae in semitropical areas such as southern Florida. They migrate northward to lay eggs on leaves, buds, stems, and fruits of susceptible plants. There may be four or more generations per year depending on the climate.

Control

After harvest, pull up and destroy vines, leftover fruits, and nearby weeds, all of which serve as overwintering sites for the insect. Plant as early as possible in order to harvest crops before late summer when damage is usually greatest. Spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in late spring.

Photography by Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Together with Victory Seed Company:
Victory Seed Company Logo Victory Seed Company has all the seeds you want for your best garden in 2024.

For 25 years, the family-owned Victory Seed Company has provided the highest quality vegetable, herb and flower seeds to families across the country. We are passionate about providing you the best seeds available that give excellent germination, robust plants, and the harvest you want. With a catalog of over a thousand varieties, we have everything, and our prices are the kinds that we'd want to pay. We have hundreds of yesterday's heirloom vegetables, as well as today's award winning hybrid selections. Get to know us by visiting our website and browsing through our online vegetable seed catalog.

This article is a part of our Pest Control Library.
This article is a part of our Pest Control Library.
Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )

Today's site banner is by RootedInDirt and is called "Plant Combo "

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.