How can I organically eliminate the different beetles who are destroying my squash plants? - Ask Extension
The beetles have arrived! They are already destroying my squash plants. I would like to do,it as organically as possible.
Thank you
Knowledgebase
How can I organically eliminate the different beetles who are destroying my squash plants? #872831
Asked June 12, 2024, 3:44 PM EDT
The beetles have arrived! They are already destroying my squash plants. I would like to do,it as organically as possible.
Thank you
Warren County Ohio
Expert Response
Thank you for your question to Ask a Master Gardener Volunteer with eXtension.
I am also including the following websites for further information:
https://extension.psu.edu/insect-pests-affecting-squash-plants#:~:text=Squash%20beetles%20(Epilachna%20borealis)%20are,on%20the%20unde
https://acreagenebraska.org/2020/05/05/controlling-cucumber-beetles-and-squash-bugs-without-insecticides-yes-its-possible/#:~:text=Cucumber%20beetles%20and%20squash%20bug,wilting%20and%20death%20of%20plants.
There is no doubt these bugs are very detrimental to the overall health and well-being of your squash plants. Best of luck to you in your quest for an organic treatment to ward off the onslaught.
- These dark gray, beetle-like insects can infest squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, and watermelons. They lay clusters of orange eggs and suck sap from plants as they grow. Squash bug feeding can introduce a bacteria that causes yellow vine decline, which can cause plants to rapidly brown, dry, wilt, and die.
- To get rid of squash bugs,: you can try these methods:
- Remove eggs: Squash bug eggs are shiny, slightly oval, and copper colored.
- Use diatomaceous earth: This non-toxic powder kills insects within 48 hours.
- Spray neem oil: This organic, plant-based insecticide is derived from the Indian neem tree and can be used against most common garden pests.
- Trap squash bugs: Lay out boards or pieces of newspaper at night, and then collect and destroy the bugs in the morning.
- Remove plant debris: During the growing season, remove plant debris to reduce hiding places for squash bugs.
- Use row covers until it is time for flower bloom and pollination.
- To get rid of squash bugs,: you can try these methods:
I am also including the following websites for further information:
https://extension.psu.edu/insect-pests-affecting-squash-plants#:~:text=Squash%20beetles%20(Epilachna%20borealis)%20are,on%20the%20unde
https://acreagenebraska.org/2020/05/05/controlling-cucumber-beetles-and-squash-bugs-without-insecticides-yes-its-possible/#:~:text=Cucumber%20beetles%20and%20squash%20bug,wilting%20and%20death%20of%20plants.
There is no doubt these bugs are very detrimental to the overall health and well-being of your squash plants. Best of luck to you in your quest for an organic treatment to ward off the onslaught.
