Sasha CampbellCucumber beetles may seem harmless. But they can ruin gardens.
These little beetles can damage plants. They may eat leaves, stems, and flowers and chew holes in fruits [1].
Striped cucumber beetles may also spread bacterial wilt, which can kill cucurbits [2].
You don’t have to worry, though. There are several natural ways to protect your plants without chemical pesticides.
Below are some of the best natural repellent sprays for cucumber beetles.
1. Neem Oil
Neem oil is one of the most popular natural pest repellents out there.
This substance repels cucumber beetles and may also interfere with their feeding patterns [3]. This makes it harder for their population to grow.
Therefore, you can make a DIY neem oil spray for cucumber beetles. For the recipe, mix two teaspoons of cold-pressed neem oil with a teaspoon of mild liquid soap in a quart of water.
Once you shake it well, it’s ready to spray. This homemade cucumber beetle pesticide can control both spotted and striped cucumber beetles.
2. Essential Oil
Essential oils can also play a role in deterring cucumber beetles.
For example, peppermint, lemon eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary oils have natural insect-repelling properties.
A mixture of 15 drops of each oil with 4 ounces of water makes an easy essential oil repellent spray.
This makes an all-round bug spray for your plants.
3. Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay is a unique option because it acts as a physical repellent.
When applied properly, it leaves a white film on the plant leaves. This will prevent cucumber beetles from settling on plants.
Mix kaolin clay powder with water to use. The ratio is about three cups of clay per gallon of water.
Stir it well. You can also add a tablespoon of dish soap to the solution.
Once sprayed on plants, the clay layer discourages beetles from feasting.
4. Vinegar Spray
If mixed strong enough, vinegar spray can kill beetles. However, that spray might also damage your plants.
So, our vinegar spray recipe will only be able to deter the beetles, not kill them.
Combine one cup of white vinegar with three cups of water and add a few drops of mild soap. Shake well and apply it to plant leaves and stems.
5. Diatomaceous Earth
This product is another home remedy you can apply to your plants to get rid of cucumber beetles organically. The powder will dehydrate and kill the beetles when they crawl on it.
To use it as a spray, mix two tablespoons of food-grade diatomaceous earth with a quart of water. Be sure to shake the mixture frequently while applying it since the powder will settle at the bottom.
Finally, apply this natural spray to your plants, covering the leaves. Once it dries, the powder residue works to kill the beetles.
6. Wood Ash and Hydrated Lime
Wood ash and hydrated lime can also deter or even kill these pests.
To make this spray, mix one ounce each of wood ash and hydrated lime with a gallon of water. Let it sit for a few hours.
Afterward, strain out any large particles. This will keep the spray bottle from clogging.
Finally, give it a good shake and apply it to the affected plants.
7. Hot Pepper and Garlic
Another organic cucumber beetle control remedy that you can make is hot pepper and garlic spray. This spray can create a spicy, pungent barrier. Cucumber beetles will find it unpleasant.
Chop one small head of garlic and a cup of hot peppers (the hotter, the better). Let them steep in a gallon of water for a few hours or overnight.
Once strained, add two tablespoons of mild liquid soap. Spray this mixture on your plants.
It will repel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and other cucumber bugs.
8. Homemade Insecticidal Soap
It’s easy to make a simple version of insecticidal soap at home.
Combine two tablespoons of pure liquid Castile soap (or another mild soap) with a quart of water. Thoroughly mix the solution well before spraying it on the plants.
You can also buy premade insecticidal soap and use it accordingly.
9. Baking Soda Spray
Many gardeners have used baking soda to manage pests and fungal issues in the garden.
It is not a beetle killer. However, it can make the environment hostile to cucumber beetles.
Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with a gallon of water. You can also add a tablespoon of liquid soap to help it stick.
Like our vinegar spray, this mix is gentle on plants. But it can deter cucumber beetles if applied regularly.
10. Citrus Spray
Citrus spray is another natural option to consider.
These beetles dislike citrus. So, a citrus spray is an excellent deterrent.
Boil citrus peels, like those from oranges, lemons, or limes, in water for 10 minutes to make this spray. Next, strain the liquid and spray it on garden plants.
11. Spinosad
Spinosad is one of the best insecticides for cucumber beetles and other pests [4].
You can find spinosad in ready-made sprays at garden centers. Follow the directions carefully, as spinosad can harm beneficial insects if overused.
12. BioCeres WP Biopesticide
This is a biopesticide that contains a naturally occurring fungus, Beauveria bassiana. The treatment targets a range of insects, including cucumber beetles.
Mix BioCeres WP as the package says. Spray it directly on the affected plants.
13. Monterey Bug Buster-O
This is also a powerful natural insecticide. It contains pyrethrin.
Pyrethrin attacks insects’ nervous systems [5]. It’s a good choice for a heavy infestation.
However, use Bug Buster-O with care. It can harm beneficial insects, including bees.
Takeaway
These natural cucumber beetle repellents can protect your plants. They’re effective and eco-friendly.
For best results, spray early in the season. Do this before cucumber beetle populations grow.
See other home remedies for getting rid of cucumber beetles naturally.
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