Over the years I've tried different insecticides ( which I've 100% gotten away from) and even wrapped the stems in foil...all for nothing,the beetles always found their way. This year I have the best pumpkin,watermelon,cucumber and zucchini plants and yield I've ever had,even my peppers! The only thing I did different was move the whole garden about 100 ft away from where it was. I'm not saying that's what did it but just letting you know that's what I did.
Have you tried clothes detergent in a pump sprayer? Dilute the smelly detergent (I use Tide) with water and spray the leaves. That helps my Daylillies. Which were left alone for many years. They seem to like young Daylillies, when they get taller, I'm deer free.
We plant marigolds around our cucumbers and tomatoes. The variety of cucumbers we grow are called “Muncher”. We bought the seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. www.rareseeds.com
I've heard about using detergent cloths under a Cub's hood to keep out mice but not as a deer repellant. Does Tide absorb into plant leaves the way Bobbex does? Using it successfully for more than 10 straight years. As I write this, three deer passed by without stopping. At Amazon, it's $28-$30 per gallon. Costly? Not all garden stores stock it.
I doubt it absorbs in. I reapply once a week. When the plants are young. I also think the Chives that are grown around the perimeter help.
Looks like horn worm droppings. Also called tomato worms. They will eat a plant up fast.
Oh boy...Cantaloupe. Mmmmmm....
