Find out how to get rid of squash bugs with these natural pest control tips.
Identifying Squash Bugs
Adult squash bugsmeasure about 12 inch long.
These insects are most active during the warm summer months.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Squash bug eggsare reddish-brown and oval-shaped.
They are usually found in clusters on the underside of plant leaves.
In about 10 days, they hatch into baby squash bugs or nymphs.
Before diagnosing a squash bug problem, double-check that youre not dealing with these squash bug look-a-likes.
Stink bugsare often confused with squash bugs, but they are different insects.
While stink bugs damage plants, their shield-shaped bodies are wider than squash bugs.
Squash vine borersalso target cucurbit crops, but vine borers are moths with orange bodies and black wings.
Assassin bugsclosely resemble squash bugs, but assassin bugs are the good guys, and they protect gardens.
These beneficial insects dont damage vegetables; they feed on garden pests, including squash bugs.
Unlike squash bugs, assassin bugs are solitary critters, and theyre rarely seen in groups.
However, if squash bugs have already invaded your garden, dont despair.
Squash bugs are particularly fond ofwinter squashand pumpkins, but there are some cucurbit plants they dont like.
Because squash bugs are most active early in the season,row coversare particularly effective against them.
For best results, install row covers in spring and use them in conjunction with crop rotation.
Companion plantingis an organic gardening method that can control several pests, including squash bugs.
Squash bugs tend to avoid plants likecatnip,marigolds,nasturtiums, andbee balm.
Interplanting these companions among cucurbits can keep the vegetables safe.
Instead of applying chemical pesticides, use organic insecticidal soap sprays to vanquish squash bug nymphs.
Make a squash bug trap.
Lay a board or old tile on the soil near infested plants in the evening.
Check the trap early the next morning and destroy any squash bugs you find.
Clean the garden thoroughly.
