Garden Insect Pests: Squash Bug
Anas Tristis
Squash bugs are commonly found all over the United States. They feed on members
of the Cucurbit family. This includes all kinds of squash, pumpkins, cucumbers,
and watermelon. Among these, their favorite foods are yellow crookneck and
yellow straight-neck squash, followed by pumpkins and Hubbard squash..
Squash bugs are very harmful to cucurbits. They suck the juices from the
plants. They will also attack the fruit, If damage is significant, the
vines will turn black and die. Squash bugs can also transmit plant disease.
Disease spores cling to their feet. As the squash bug flies from plant to
to plant, the disease is spread.
Identifying Squash Bugs:
Adult Squash Bugs are approximately 5/8" long and 1/4" wide.
They are dark grey or black. There are orange and brown stripes on their
abdomen. They are sometimes mistaken for stink bugs, which look similar.
Like the stink bug, squash bugs will also smell bad when crushed.
Note: Stink bugs do not bother cucurbits.
Squash Bug Eggs are yellowish brown to red bronze in color. The female
deposits about a dozen eggs on the underside of the plant leaves, along the
veins of the leaves. Except for some southerly areas of the country, there
is one brood a year.
Squash Bug Life Cycle:
Squash bugs live one year. In most areas, the adult female lays eggs once,
in early summer. Eggs hatch quickly, and small nymphs begin to feed on plant
juices.
Adult bugs will overwinter in brush and garden debris. They may be present
in your compost pile.
Controlling Squash Bugs:
Chemical sprays are most effective, when applied just as the eggs are hatching.
Many people, including this author, hand-pick adults and eggs from
the plants. Adults are easy to catch. Eggs will be found on the underside
of leaves. Once you spot adult squash bugs, examine the leaves every few
days for eggs. Scrape off eggs with a knife, or your fingernail, and dispose
of them.
An organic control, is to place a flat board near the plant. Squash bugs
will hide under boards and garden debris at night. In early morning, lift
up the board, capture and dispose of any bugs you find.
More Information:
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