Squash Bugs Love Melons, Too??

15 years ago

I sure thought I would defeat those ugly little squash bugs by leaving any and all squash off the menu this year. Last year I pulled the zucchini about this time because of an absolutely disgusting swarm of them. I had been away from home for a couple days and just went out to check it.. and the middle of my watermelon plant is dead. And covered in adult squash bugs. I'm very very tempted to pull it and just prep that area (since it's such a big one) and start sowing fall seeds. No melons have been set and seeing those bugs does not get me excited about waiting for them, honestly.

What would you do?? If your advice IS to pull it, what would I treat the soil with before planting?? I was thinking peas, beans, greens, or carrots for fall crops. Any reason they would like that goodness??

Thanks y'all,

Jessica

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Comments (2)

JessicaARZ8
Original Author
15 years ago
Update And More Questions::

Last night I hand-picked the few I saw and sprayed with a pyrethrin-based product. This morning, after watering about an inch, I see no movement. Only found ONE leaf with eggs and I made quick work squishing them. Is there hope?? There is quite a bit of damage to the stem - it looks pretty torn up and yellowed, but the majority of the leaves are healthy.

I just need advice as to whether waiting it out (maybe covering the stem with soil?) would be worth it? Or if I should just stop here? Thank you!
tracydr
15 years ago
I used diamectacous earth when my squash bugs were still little juveniles and I never saw any adults. Last year I had a horrible infestation. This year I only saw one adult and a small group of juveniles. None since I dusted once with the DE. I keep it dusted with DE, especially the base of the plants and undersides of leaves, where the babies would be. I don't think it can kill the adults very well.
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