Squash bugs. Those scary, prehistoric-looking insects that are the bane of gardens, large and small. True to their name, they prefer squash plants, such as yellow squash, acorn squash, crookneck squash, patty pan (scallop) squash, and zucchini. But these garden pests will also attack other cucurbits like pumpkins, cucumbers, gourds, and melons.

Because squash bugs are often found in large numbers, they can do considerable damage. Unfortunately, adults and nymphs alike pierce leaves, stems, vines, and fruit with their proboscis to suck the sap out of the plant. Leaves, for example, will be marked with yellow specks where they have been pierced. These sites will turn brown and then, depending on the severity, turn black before dying. Vines that have been attacked will wilt.

If that isn’t bad enough, squash bug saliva carries a bacteria called Serratia marcescens, which causes Anasa or cucurbit yellow vine disease. The bacteria can cause the plant to wilt and die, depending on the severity of the infection. In other words, if the plant doesn’t die from its sap being sucked out, it might die from the bacteria.

Join Lindsay as she gives you some easy organic solutions for controlling squash bugs in your garden!

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