Bugs on squash plants - Ask Extension
Hello - I was watering my squash and saw many of these bugs crawling out from under the leaves.
Knowledgebase
Bugs on squash plants #880884
Asked August 09, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT
Hello - I was watering my squash and saw many of these bugs crawling out from under the leaves.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Andrew and thanks for your question and picture of your squash bugs. They are not our friends are are going to try to kill your squash plants by sucking the juices out. Remove them by hand, including the beautiful red/brown eggs under the leaves and drop them in soapy water. They move fast, so early morning is the best time to catch them.
There are several chemicals listed for use against squash bugs in the following article (see the section labeled "Management-chemical control: HOME USE"). The organic ones are kaolin clay which suffocates the eggs and pyrethrins which are derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Follow the directions very carefully no matter which chemical you choose as they are all pretty powerful.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/pumpkin-squash-squash-bug
Good luck! I quit growing winter squash last year because of these horrible pests!
There are several chemicals listed for use against squash bugs in the following article (see the section labeled "Management-chemical control: HOME USE"). The organic ones are kaolin clay which suffocates the eggs and pyrethrins which are derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Follow the directions very carefully no matter which chemical you choose as they are all pretty powerful.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/pumpkin-squash-squash-bug
Good luck! I quit growing winter squash last year because of these horrible pests!
