Squash bugs lifecycle?

18 years ago

I didn't have any problems during zuc season. I was so proud of my pumpkins until I found them covered with these darn bugs!! Needless to say, my 3 pumpkins didn't make it.

Will these die in the winter and come back by the millions? When do I kill them and what do I use? I'm not worried about anything this year but now that I know what I'm up against, I don't want to take any chances for next year.

Also, I know this question has been addressed a million times before but my "search" option isn't working. Thanks for answering another question about these darn bugs! LcGrace

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Comments (7)

wayne_5 zone 6a Central Indiana
18 years ago
I ended up with lots of these buggers. I tried squashing the adults early on the squash leaves, but they still layed dozens of egg clusters. These hatched into hundreds of babies. What I have done is go through the patch and smash all I can find now so there are few to over-winter.
farmerdilla
18 years ago
The adults over winter under plant debris or anything else they can hide under. There are few insecticides that will touch an adult, they are one tough critter. Good sanitation ( removal or turning under all plant debris works wonders altho ther are always a few that find some place to hide). Next year watch for the eggs on the plant leaves and destroy them.

Here is a link that might be useful: squash bug
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Lcgrace Mahoney
Original Author
18 years ago
The debris situation may be my problem...I've started my garden by the "lasagna" method. I've got layers of leaves, grass clippings and other exciting things in there.

Is there a spray available for them? I don't need industrial quantities...just something from the garden center a big box store.

I'll keep a very close eye on things next year and get 'em while they're young! Thanks so much!!
wayne_5 zone 6a Central Indiana
18 years ago
Late in the season they gather on ripe fruits and dead leaves which gives you a second chance to kill them off.
Lcgrace Mahoney
Original Author
18 years ago
Oh, they gathered all right...icky icky! Time to stomp 'em! I did find some info from another post. It'll be an uphill battle I'm afraid.

My son just found his bug vacuum in the toy box. Looks like we've got a project for tomorrow! Thanks, LcGrace
bella_trix
18 years ago
Starting now and as the weather cools, lay down boards on the ground where your squash was/is growing. In the morning, flip the boards up and collect the squash bugs that are underneath and drop them into soapy water. During cool weather and as they are looking for a place to overwinter, the squash bugs love to hide under boards. This is a great opportunity to get them before they overwinter and cause havoc next year.

Bellatrix
don_hoe
18 years ago
I found some organic squash bug killer on Google called mr. malcolm's squash bug eliminator that kills eggs and adults. I've tried everything else in the past but this stuff works. I tried neem oil but it left a taste after using it for a while. There's pesticides out there but I'm afraid to eat the veggies. Try it.