Squash borer a squash bug prevention? - Ask Extension
Hi - I am in a yearly battle with squash borers and bugs (particularly the former). I read that spinosad application at the base of the stem 1x weekly...
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Squash borer a squash bug prevention? #872050
Asked June 07, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT
Hi - I am in a yearly battle with squash borers and bugs (particularly the former). I read that spinosad application at the base of the stem 1x weekly during the next month or so (now because it seems like everything is early this year, yes?) - and then regular application to the foliage (not sure what “regular” means - daily?) will knock out the borers and bug nymphs? True? I would strongly prefer not to use non organic control HOWEVER I have lost almost my entire crop to borers over the last few years and am not 100% opposed if it’ the best option and I can get away with targeted application.
I work in a raised bed garden so rotation is not a great option (only so many beds) and row covers are difficult given my setup.
Thanks for your help!
Berrien County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Elizabeth -
The idea in pest control is to understand exactly what is happening, so you time your chemical application appropriately. I found an article for you that has both a manual control and chemical control. I agree, it seems like everything is early this year. Timing is everything. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/squash-vine-borers#chemical-controls-3112162
I hope this helps.
The idea in pest control is to understand exactly what is happening, so you time your chemical application appropriately. I found an article for you that has both a manual control and chemical control. I agree, it seems like everything is early this year. Timing is everything. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/squash-vine-borers#chemical-controls-3112162
I hope this helps.
Thanks! The link you posted was helpful - but I’m curious specifically about pyretherins, which seem as tho they may be the best option. Ido have cats - one of which likes to take an occasional garden stroll. As I understand pyretherin in liquid form is highly toxic to cats. Once dried, safe in a garden setting? And if foliage gets wet (rain). - safe?
I’m also still seeing some sites recommend spinosad (which I have and use regularly) - but others don’t. Thoughts?
Hi again, Elizabeth -
I found the fact sheet on pyretherins: http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pyrethrins.html#whatis That should tell you everything you want to know. As always, be sure to follow the directions on the label.
Here is the fact sheet on Spinosad. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/spinosadgen.html#whatis
I have used spinosad to kill pillbugs and earwigs that get into my orchid media. It seems to work well for that application. But I don't know how well it would work for the Squash bugs.
Good luck!
I found the fact sheet on pyretherins: http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/pyrethrins.html#whatis That should tell you everything you want to know. As always, be sure to follow the directions on the label.
Here is the fact sheet on Spinosad. http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/spinosadgen.html#whatis
I have used spinosad to kill pillbugs and earwigs that get into my orchid media. It seems to work well for that application. But I don't know how well it would work for the Squash bugs.
Good luck!
