The larvae at first feed on plant tissue and leaves and when they become larger many bore into fruit. The larvae push out small masses of green sawdust-like excrement from the holes in the fruit. The fruits soon rot, sour and mold after the interior has been exposed to the air by the burrows. Fruits of late season plants are severely attacked. Usually four to five generations are produced per season.
Control is difficult.
The caterpillar must be killed before it bores into the fruit. Once entry has been made, it is impossible to reach the pest with spray and the fruit is immediately ruined. Control the Melon worm with Malathion, Sevin, or Thiodan insecticides. Organically, Bacillus thuringiensis will rid the problem.