Pests That Eat Watermelon Plants

Watermelons, which grow with a tough outer green rind, have a sweet taste that appeals to many harmful pests. Despite the tough outer shell surrounding watermelon, many different insects damage the fruit while they are still on the vine. Be aware of pests that eat watermelon plants in order to protect your crop.

Cucumber beetles are a deadly enemy to watermelons. Adult cucumber beetles eat young watermelon plants, while the larvae eat the roots underground. When many cucumber beetles are present, they may kill watermelon plants. The beetles may even dig down into garden soil to find newly growing sprouts.

Aphids are dark, blue-green insects that suck the juices out of watermelon leaves. After being attacked by aphids, the leaves curl downward and plants do not grow large or healthy. Aphids cause additional problems to watermelon plants by spreading viral diseases, which may further harm your garden. Very young watermelon plants that are affected by aphids may die.

Three different species of whiteflies -- sweet potato, greenhouse and silverleaf -- affect watermelons. Whiteflies reproduce quickly and move to many different types of plants, flowers and vegetables. The insects remove plant sap from watermelons and feed on the nutrients the plant requires to survive. Whiteflies may also spread viral diseases, which could kill your entire watermelon crop.

Mites are insects that leave yellow spots on watermelon foliage. When plants are heavily infested, fruit growth may be stunted. Mites eat the undersides of leaves and suck at the sap inside the watermelons. The plant will begin to turn yellow, then brown, as feeding continues. The foliage may wilt away and die entirely. Mites will leave a silky, web-like material behind on plants, and flourish under hot and dry garden conditions.