1. Adult moths laying eggs at vine bases
Likelihood: HighClear-winged adult moths land on the stems and lay small eggs at the soil line. One female can lay many eggs over a few weeks in mid to late season; eggs are tiny and hard to see, so obvious damage often appears only after larvae enter the stem.
Identification
- remove_circle_outlineDaytime sighting of wasp-like, clear-winged moths flying and landing on cucurbit stems
- remove_circle_outlineTiny, flat, oval eggs on stems near the soil line when closely inspected
- remove_circle_outlineFirst wilting begins on a single vine while surrounding plants remain healthy
- remove_circle_outlineLook for small round or oval entry holes at the base of stems with coarse, sawdust-like frass around them
The Fix
- 1Apply row covers at transplant and keep covers on until flowering begins to block egg-laying adults
- 2Inspect stems every 2-3 days from transplant through mid-summer for eggs and frass
- 3Hand-remove eggs when you find them by scraping into a jar of soapy water
- 4When adults are present, avoid mowing or disturbing the area around plants during peak flight, which can reduce attraction
- 5Consult local timing data from your county extension to know when to install and remove covers