Caterpillars

   Cutworms which include the variegated cutworm (Peridroma saucia) and the black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), can devastate young cucumber plants by chewing through the stems at the soil line. Cutworms are active at night. Control is warranted when high populations are present in the field before planting. Baits containing Bacillus thuringiensis are available for cutworm control. Control is normally not recommended when the plants are >1 ft tall. Other caterpillar pests such as loopers have generally been of minor importance in commercial cucumber plantings.