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Squash bugs/borers - how often to spray #874514

Asked June 24, 2024, 5:38 PM EDT

Hi, I have a large home garden that is overrun by squash bugs and squash vine borers every year. This year I'm spraying with pyrethrin in hopes of knocking them back. How often do I need to spray - and for how long? Do I need to reapply after rain? It's unclear to me from the product packaging. I also want to verify that pyrethrin is effective against both pests. Thanks!

Berrien County Michigan

Expert Response

Thank you for your question. Pyrethrin should control squash vine borer in addition to squash bugs. It's a good idea to check the label and see if both pests are listed. Generally you would make repeat applications every 7-10 days if needed.  Many pyrethrin products will say to reapply after a rain as well. For squash vine borer control, make sure you are applying at the base of the plant where the larvae tunnel into the stem. Squash vine borer can be hard to control because pesticides are only effective when the larvae first hatch and begin to burrow into the stem, so there is a narrow management window. Here's a nice article on the control of these pests that includes some other pesticide options as well as a few non-chemical control alternatives: https://hles.unl.edu/squash-bugs-squash-vine-borer. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 25, 2024, 1:57 PM EDT

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