Can I Use Gamma-Cyhalothrin on My Cucumber Plants?

Pyrethroids

• Gamma-Cyhalothrin belongs to a family of insecticides known as pyrethroids, which are toxic to insects and small aquatic animals, effectively paralyzing insects and killing them. Gamma-Cyhalothrin is an exceptionally useful pyrethroid, effectively eliminating a wide variety of insects that commonly pester vegetable gardeners. None of these insects, however, are common pests of the cucumber plant.

Cucumber Beetles

• Gamma-Cyhalothrin is effective for use against cucumber beetles, a pest that affects vegetables across the spectrum of typically grown edibles. The insecticide is ineffective only on the beetles, not cucumber fruits or other cucurbits, including most melons and squashes.

Toxicity

• Toxicity may be a concern when using Gamma-Cyhalothrin, yet it is considered the safest of pyrethroid pesticides as only very diluted portions of the chemical are necessary for effective pest control. Still, it is a toxic chemical that can cause irritation of the eyes and skin and far more serious consequences when encountered in large concentrations. For this reason proper dilution of the chemical is imperative--not just for personal safety but to reduce environmental peril as well.

Other Options

• Though Gamma-Cyhalothrin is not an effective option for insect control on cucumber plants, you can use a simple insecticidal soap to take care of minor pests such as aphids or spider mites. Permethrin and malathion, among others, are great insecticides to combat most other pests encountered by cucumber plants.