It’s early in the growing season, but I am already receiving calls about aphids on melons. We had lots of problems with aphids in 2013 and not very many last year. Particularly at this time of year, I’m recommending Assail® for aphid control on melons for several reasons. First, it does an excellent job killing aphids. Second, it will also provide very good control of striped cucumber beetles when they become active in your field. Third, I’ve never been a big fan of pyrethroid insecticides for control of aphids. They work to some extent but we have other products that are better. Finally, the active ingredient in Assail®, acetamiprid, is much less toxic to honey bees than the other neonicotinoid insecticides that could be used for aphid control. If you used either Admire Pro® or Platinum® at planting time, you should receive 3-4 weeks of aphid control. Growers should be watching their young melon plants closely. Look on the underside of the leaves. It is best to get the aphids under control before symptoms such as curling leaves are evident.