They are found chiefly on the underside of the leaves, where they suck the sap from the plants and cause a reduction in the quality and quantity of the fruit. Infested leaves curl downward and may turn brown and die. The melon aphid also is one of the chief agents in transmitting Cucumber mosaic virus . Usually, cucurbits are not attacked by aphids until the vines form runners. Consider natural controls when making treatment decisions.
Beneficial insects are extremely important in keeping aphid populations in check.
Infestations usually are higher in hot, dry summers following cool, dry springs, which have reduced the efficiency of the natural enemies. In addition to natural enemies, you can spray leaves with soapy water, then rinse with clear water. Spraying with insecticidal soaps, planting in aluminum foil-covered beds and filling yellow pans with water to trap the aphids are also effective control measures. Squash plants frequently are killed by this sap-feeding pest. Leaves of plants attacked by the bugs may wilt rapidly and become brittle.