Pickleworm

Pickleworm: (Size=3/4 inch)
This caterpillar is mainly a problem in the southeastern U.S. They feed on the blossoms, stems, and, later, 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.

Controls:
After harvest, pull up and destroy vines, leftover fruits, and nearby weeds in areas where the insect overwinters.

Select varieties that mature early.

Plant early, if possible, to harvest crops before late summer, when damage is usually greatest.

Spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in late spring.

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