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Organic Gardening

Cucumber beetle eating cucumbers...still safe to eat?

11 years ago

This is my first year at a full organic garden and I'm running into many issues! The one for today is: Is it safe to eat cucumbers if cucumber beetles have caused imperfections in the skin? (Assuming you wash and peel them)I just didn't know if they transmitted bacteria to the fruit that could make a human sick?

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Comments (3)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
Heck....I'd be darned if I let the danged beetles get ALL of the benefits from my hard work. Wash thoroughly, as usual, and enjoy.
lingon
11 years ago
As far as I've heard, your stomach acid does a pretty good job on lots of things. Stuff that is bad for you (listeria, e.coli, etc) doesn't come from nowhere, it comes from contamination with feces, human typically. And direct sunshine can do a good job killing some of those, as well.
If you have an immune disorder, then be more careful. Otherwise, I'm sure that cucumber is cleaner than anything you pick off the grocery store shelf that has been handled by several people, at least.
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I don't know what some of these post are talking about. A flea beetle is the size of a pin head, and they do not fly. However a can jump quite a distance for there size. Make sure there is no weeds or other vegetation around the plant. If you put down black plastic in a row and plant the eggplant through the plastic, that will help. One thing you can try is the sticky goo I use for the apple maggot fly. Use a piece of bright yellow plastic card covered with the goo. They are attracted to the color and will get stuck in the in the goo. Depending on the number of beetle, you might have to replace the card or clean it. Vegetable oil is use as a solvent for the goo and then some soap and water. reapply the goo. I would use a piece a card 4" x 6" at each plant.
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Well, I went out and got one and measured it. He (or she? ;) ) came out at a little less than a 1/4 inch. It looked a good bit like the picture, except the bronze stripe is much less prominent on this guy, not even noticeable at first glance, and it goes all around the abdomen. Hmm...I might be able to get a picture up on Sunday or Monday. I have to try to borrow a friend's camera. I guess we might have to postpone judgement until then.
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Gibbys-Garden
11 years ago
I've had cucumber beetles nibble on my cukes and I've always eaten them after washing without any problems. If the beetles are getting bad, you can handpick them, morning is the best time to do this, or lightly spray your plants with soapy water to stave off the infestation. Dish soap works fine. Happy eating!

Here is a link that might be useful: Gibby's Garden of Maine

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