Larvae bore into roots and also feed on stems at or below soil line. Insects usually attack young plants. Damaged plants wilt and sometimes die. Unmated striped cucumber beetle adults migrate south for the winter or overwinter in plant debris or rotting wood. They begin feeding on altenate hosts when the soil temperature reaches about 55 F in the spring.
Beetles move to cucurbits as soon as plants come up or are set out, and begin feeding and mating.
Within a few days eggs are laid and larvae emerge in about ten days. Larvae feed on plant roots until pupation. Adults appear in about a week to ten days and begin the lifecycle again. Protective materials can be removed once plants grow large enough to tolerate damage. A botanical insecticidal spray or dust may be effective.