how to get rid of squash bugs - Ask Extension
We had a terrible time with squash bugs last summer. We tried removing eggs under the leaves, killing bugs in soapy water, but eventually had to pull...
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how to get rid of squash bugs #926259
Asked March 18, 2026, 5:34 PM EDT
We had a terrible time with squash bugs last summer. We tried removing eggs under the leaves, killing bugs in soapy water, but eventually had to pull out the zucchini. Do you have any suggestions for preventing them this summer? I had never heard of them before last summer!
Yamhill County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi,
I can understand your frustration with squash bugs. Last year was the first time I had them in my garden as well. I don't know where they sprang from but I'll be glad for them to spring away for here!
As with any pest challenge, a multi-pronged approach works the best. In fall clear the garden area to reduce hiding places for overwintering. You could also turn out chickens in the garden area in the fall, if you have chickens.
In spring you can place boards on the ground, in the garden that you can turn over each morning and destroy any squash bugs and slugs. Once plants are in the ground, you can cover them with insect netting until they start blooming then they have to be uncovered so the bees can pollinate the flowers. However, this strategy depends the squash bugs to not be already lurking in the soil near where you plant.
Another option after planting is to scout all the leaves once a week. It takes eggs about 10 days to hatch, hence scouting weekly. Use a loop of duct tape around your fingers with sticky side out. When you find egg masses, touch them with the duct tape until you have them all. This strategy works well for simply reducing the population.
Once the squash bugs get bigger, utilize a shop vac to suck the insects into a container which you then dispose of the bugs in soapy water. The key is to persevere.
Here's a publication from University of California Extension IPM program, "Squash Bugs". And another one from Oregon State Extension, "Vegetable Crop Pests-Squash Bugs". Both of these publications detail the lifecycle of squash bugs and some control strategies. A positive note is that supposedly there is only one generation per year in Oregon versus 2 generations per year in California. That means that the more eggs and nymphs you are able to destroy the fewer adults there are to carry on their nefarious operations the next year!
Go forth and reduce squash bug infestations.
I can understand your frustration with squash bugs. Last year was the first time I had them in my garden as well. I don't know where they sprang from but I'll be glad for them to spring away for here!
As with any pest challenge, a multi-pronged approach works the best. In fall clear the garden area to reduce hiding places for overwintering. You could also turn out chickens in the garden area in the fall, if you have chickens.
In spring you can place boards on the ground, in the garden that you can turn over each morning and destroy any squash bugs and slugs. Once plants are in the ground, you can cover them with insect netting until they start blooming then they have to be uncovered so the bees can pollinate the flowers. However, this strategy depends the squash bugs to not be already lurking in the soil near where you plant.
Another option after planting is to scout all the leaves once a week. It takes eggs about 10 days to hatch, hence scouting weekly. Use a loop of duct tape around your fingers with sticky side out. When you find egg masses, touch them with the duct tape until you have them all. This strategy works well for simply reducing the population.
Once the squash bugs get bigger, utilize a shop vac to suck the insects into a container which you then dispose of the bugs in soapy water. The key is to persevere.
Here's a publication from University of California Extension IPM program, "Squash Bugs". And another one from Oregon State Extension, "Vegetable Crop Pests-Squash Bugs". Both of these publications detail the lifecycle of squash bugs and some control strategies. A positive note is that supposedly there is only one generation per year in Oregon versus 2 generations per year in California. That means that the more eggs and nymphs you are able to destroy the fewer adults there are to carry on their nefarious operations the next year!
Go forth and reduce squash bug infestations.
