I have several different varieties of winter squash growing along my fence and I have several problems with it. Most of them are pretty easy to diagnose although unfortunately not as easily treated.

I have cucumber beetles (striped and spotted), although they are not present in large numbers like they were last year I assume because I kept the seedlings covered for about 4 weeks and have mulched with newspaper at the base of the plants. I see some wilt, but not as bad as last year's virgin attempt at growing these things.

I have squash bugs pretty bad, which I am struggling to stay ahead of inspecting and mechanically ridding the plants once or twice a week.

My biggest problem is powdery mildew, which has spread like wildfire through the squash on my fence. I have two questions related to these problems.

1. Is it possible that I am spreading the mildew by hand when I am inspecting for squash bugs?
2. I know my plants are too crowded, so I plan to prune selectively and spray with neem oil and/or milk. Is it too late for me to reverse the mildew?
3. Finally, I am losing lots of blossoms on some plants and some fruits are shriveling up before they get 2" long. Is this a symptom of the mildew or something.else?

Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to provide. My squash have been up to now the pride of my garden. I really want a good harvest to share.