We spotted them last night. They are a neon lime green color with black spots, an elongated ladybug shape. They are not our friends. I found and ended three of them who were under leaves. Neil went this morning and sprayed half with a lime/ash/water mix and half with a cayenne/garlic/water mix. We'll see if either helps stop them.We have heard a lot about the devastation they can do, from 'aesthetic' munching of holes in greens to feeding on roots and spreading plant viruses. We are open to any and all thoughts on countering them. Here is a publication from ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, on all species of Cucumber Beetles. The photo is from their article. The beetles we have are much more neon lime green colored.
We have a lot to learn about pests, diseases and predators - the destroyers and the beneficial. Sharp curves ahead... We will be growing with entirely organic methods and as sustainably as we can, employing permaculture concepts as we grow.
It is time to make some well insulated BAT houses and employ all matters of bat seduction! Here are links to Bats Northwest and Bat Conservation International. Seducing the bats is a bit more long term, so in the meantime calling all beneficially parasitic nematodes...
