I haven’t had any severe problems with watermelon pests. I suppose they have always been more attracted to other things in my garden. However, I would keep an eye on the leaves. Watermelon plants grow low to the ground, and that provides easy access for insects. It also makes it unlikely that you’ll see aphids and other insects under the leaves unless you specifically look for them. If you find them, though, all you need to do is spray them with insecticidal soap. Other bugs on the topside of the leaves are easier to see but sometimes harder to kill. Insecticidal soap might work, but you may have to use something a little more substantial, like Sevin dust. Whenever possible, keep the dust off the blooms to minimize affecting pollinators. Dusting late in the evening when the pollinators are less likely to be active is also helpful.
