Squash Bugs - Yuck!

Each year seems to bring conditions that favor at least one pest in the garden. Who hasn't had to deal with some kind of worm, beetle or other bug that can't wait to do destruction? After having an entire crop of zucchinis, then summer squash and pumpkins destroyed by squash bugs in a single season, I have learned that early intervention is key. This year, even before my zucchini plants had a chance to flower - I noticed eggs and nymph squash bugs on the underside of the leaves.

Eggs are layed on the underside of the leaves, the are hard and sticky

 

 Newly hatched nymphs

At this early stage, the bugs are easily destroyed with either a spray of soapy water or horticultural oil, or by simply squishing the bugs and eggs by hand. It can, however, sometimes be difficult to remove the eggs without damaging the plant, particularly if they are located at the base of the leaf where it connects to the stem.  If left alone, the nymphs will molt several times, gradually turning into large grey beetles, over 1/2 an inch long. They remind me of stink bugs that occasionally appear in and around our house in the fall.

Adult Squash Bug (photo: Old Farmers Almanac)

Squash bugs overwinter under leaf litter, rocks and logs. To prevent squash bugs from reoccurring next year, remove dead plants and any potential overwintering sites in the fall.  If they do appear in your garden, early intervention and checking the plants on an almost daily basis should be able to keep them under control and avoid catastrophic damage.