Squashing Squash Pests

Pumpkins are a favorite plant of squash vine borers and squash bugs.

By Charlie Nordozzie
 

With the summer sun and heat upon us, our vegetables are exploding with growth. Unfortunately, insects are out in full force as well. One plant that has its share of pest problems is squash. Whether it be squash vine borers or squash bugs, this fast-growing, productive vegetable has to contend with some aggressive insects. Here's how to identify the pests and help your squash plant survive the onslaught.

Adult squash vine borer moths lay eggs on the stems of summer squash, winter squash, and pumpkins near the soil line in early summer. The eggs hatch and the small, wormlike larvae tunnel into the squash stem. They continue to tunnel and feed, traveling away from the center of the plant. In the process, the plant starts wilting even when well watered. Production is decreased and the plant can actually die if heavily infested. The solution is to block this pest from laying eggs and control it mechanically if infected. Cover young squash plants with a floating row cover. This cover lets air, light, and moisture in, but blocks adult squash vine borers from laying eggs on the stems. Once the squash start to flower, remove the cover to allow for pollination. If you find a vine borer hole in a stem, take a razor blade and gently cut up the stem away from the center of the plant until you reach the borer larvae. Remove and squish them. Bury the cut parts of the stem with soil and it should reroot and continue growing.

Squash bugs are small gray insects that are mostly found on the undersides of leaves. A few squash bugs aren't cause for concern, but they reproduce so quickly that a few can become many almost overnight. They feed on the leaves, causing the leaves to yellow and die. To control these pests, handpick squash bugs when you see them and spray with pyrethrum or Neem oil in the early evening. If you start noticing the infestation late in summer, don't worry. By the time the squash bug population explodes, the frost will be upon us.