Sasha CampbellEver notice those little off-white, green, or yellow caterpillars chomping away at your cucumber plants? They are likely pickleworms; if left unchecked, they can do severe damage.
As an organic gardener, you do not want to resort to harsh chemicals to get rid of these pests. The good news is that you can tackle pickleworms and save your crops using natural remedies.
What Are Pickleworms?
They are the larvae of a moth. Pickleworms feed primarily on plants in the cucurbit family, such as cucumbers, summer squash, pumpkins, and gourds. They also eat cantaloupes and melons.
They hatch from eggs laid on host plants. These little caterpillars enjoy munching on leaves, flower buds, and other plant parts [1].
One of the first signs of pickleworms you’ll notice is holes chewed into blossoms, vines, and young fruits. You may also see entry holes filled with frass (caterpillar poop).
How to Get Rid of Pickleworms Naturally
Once you’ve spotted these destructive pests, act fast to limit damage. Below are some home remedies and natural control methods that you can employ.
With diligent monitoring and natural control methods, you can defeat cucumber worms.
1. Spinosad
This product is an organic insecticide that kills pickleworms. Spinosad products, like Monterey, are available in many garden centers.
Mix it with water according to the product instructions. Spray it directly on the pickleworms and the foliage they’re eating.
2. Neem Oil
Neem oil acts as an insect repellent and growth inhibitor.
Therefore, you can use it to make a homemade pickleworm spray. Mix one tablespoon of pure, cold-pressed neem oil with a teaspoon of mild liquid soap and a quart of warm water.
Next, spray the solution directly on the pickleworm caterpillars. The oil will kill them and deter the moths from laying more eggs.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
Apply diatomaceous earth by sprinkling it on cucumber caterpillars. This organic pesticide dries out and kills pickleworms and other soft-bodied pests that touch it.
Apply this home remedy as directed, especially after rain.
4. Practice Crop Rotation
Don’t plant cucurbits in the same spot year after year. Pickleworm moths prefer to lay eggs on familiar plants, so rotate with something else.
5. Pick Them Off
Inspect your plants carefully for signs of pickleworm damage, like holes and frass (insect excrement). If you spot any caterpillars or egg casings, pick them off immediately.
Next, crush the eggs and caterpillars. You can also drop them into a container of soapy water to kill them.
Regular monitoring and handpicking can control light to moderate pickleworm infestations.
6. Row Covers
Row covers are a simple way to physically exclude pickleworm moths and prevent them from laying eggs on cucumbers and other plants.
Made from lightweight materials, row covers let in light and water while keeping pests out. They are an excellent organic, non-toxic solution for controlling pickleworms.
7. Clean Up Garden
Go through your garden and clear out any dead or dying plant matter, debris, and weeds around the base of your pickleworm-prone plants.
Pull weeds, prune away dead or dying leaves and stems, rake up dropped foliage under plants, and dispose of them. Compost what you can, and throw the rest in the trash.
A clean garden is less appealing to pests like pickleworm moths. It also makes larvae, eggs, and pest damage easier to spot.
Taking care of your garden regularly improves air circulation and encourages healthy plant growth. This, in turn, makes vegetables more resistant to pests and diseases.
8. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Bt, or Bacillus thuringiensis, can also help control worms in cucumbers and related crops.
It produces toxic proteins that affect certain insects, including pickle and melon worms. The product comes in forms that you mix with water and spray on your plants.
9. Plant Early
Putting your cucumbers and other target crops in the ground early helps them start growing sooner. This gives them an advantage before the pickleworm moths lay their eggs.
Larvae hatch from the eggs and eat the growing fruits. So, faster-growing vines produce mature cucumbers (or other crops) before pickleworms can cause serious harm.
10. Fruit Bagging
You can also try fruit bagging to protect your cucumbers and melons organically from pickleworm damage. This simple technique involves covering the developing fruit with a breathable bag, like organza or mesh.
Monitor the fruit regularly as it develops. Next, carefully place the bag over the fruit and secure the opening around the stem with a twist tie or string.
The bag will protect the fruit from pickleworm moths laying eggs and their young larvae, which will feed on it.
11. Natural Predators
Attracting natural predators is one of the best ways to control pickleworm populations in an eco-friendly manner.
Some birds and predatory beetles feed on pickle worm caterpillars and eggs. Ladybugs and some parasitic wasps also feed on worms in squash fruit, cucumbers, and other crops.
So, letting these natural enemies into your garden can reduce pickle worm damage. You can also plant flowers that attract beneficial insects and avoid pesticides that kill them.
12. Remove Infested Fruits
You must regularly inspect the pickleworm’s favorite crops and remove infested fruit from your garden.
Therefore, check cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and melons daily. Look for small entry holes in the fruit, often accompanied by frass (insect larva excrement).
Remove any damaged or infested fruit immediately and dispose of it in sealed bags or containers. Do not compost it.
Takeaway
So there you have it: some easy and natural solutions to keep pesky pickle worms out of your garden.
Please try a few of these environmentally friendly treatments and methods and let us know which works best for you. Remember, the key is to start early by practicing prevention.
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