Watermelons are a delicious summertime treat, but they are also susceptible to pests like borers. Borers are the larvae of moths that burrow into the stems of plants and cause damage. If you have noticed small holes in the stems of your watermelon plants or wilting leaves, you may have a borer problem. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of borers and keep your watermelon plants healthy.
Before you can get rid of borers, you need to identify them. The most common type of borer that affects watermelon plants is the squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae). These borers are about ¾ inch long and have a brown head and a white body with black spots. They lay their eggs near the base of the stem or on the leaves, and the larvae tunnel into the stem.
If you have a severe borer infestation, you may need to remove infested plants to prevent the spread of borers to other plants. Look for plants with wilted leaves or holes in the stems. Carefully dig up the plant and dispose of it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent the spread of borers.
Sticky traps are an effective way to trap adult borers before they can lay their eggs on your watermelon plants. You can purchase yellow sticky traps from garden centers or make your own by covering yellow index cards with petroleum jelly or cooking spray. Place the traps near your watermelon plants and replace them every few weeks.
Insecticides can be effective in killing borers but should be used as a last resort because they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Apply insecticides early in the morning or late in the evening when bees and other beneficial insects are less active. Use a product that is labeled for borers and follow the instructions carefully.
Wrapping the stems of your watermelon plants with aluminum foil or nylon stockings can prevent borers from laying their eggs on the stems. Wrap the stem near the base of the plant and secure it with tape. Be sure to check the wrap periodically to make sure it is still in place and replace it if necessary.
Crop rotation is an important practice for preventing pest problems, including borers. Avoid planting watermelons in the same location year after year. Rotate your crops so that watermelons are not planted in the same spot for at least three years.
Borers are the larvae of moths that burrow into the stems of plants and cause damage.
You may notice small holes in the stems of your watermelon plants or wilting leaves if you have a borer problem.
You can get rid of borers by removing infested plants, using sticky traps, applying insecticides, wrapping stems, and practicing crop rotation.
Insecticides can be effective in killing borers but should be used as a last resort because they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators. Use a product that is labeled for borers and follow the instructions carefully.