Hi, Julie!

Thank you for reaching out to us with your question about

pests on your pumpkin vines. Based on what I found, 

you’re most likely dealing with squash bugs.

Identifying Squash Bugs

Adult Squash Bugs are typically flat-backed, dark gray to dark

brown in color, are about 5/8 inch in length, and their small

rusty-brownish eggs are usually laid in rows on the

undersides of the leaves.

Below I have provided some links to articles from the 

University of Minnesota and Iowa State University that 

discuss the identification of squash bugs, in various phases

of development (eggs, nymphs, adult insects) as well as 

what to do to control them.

https://extension.umn.edu/fruit-and-vegetable-insects/squash-bugs

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/squash-bug

There are a couple of other possible, but less likely

pumpkin pests. I have listed them below with links to 

articles from the University of Minnesota and the University

of Arkansas that provide photo identification and control 

methods. 

Squash Vine Boer usually lays eggs on stems and petioles, 

(where the leaf attaches to the stem), not mainly on leaf 

undersides and the larvae tunnel into the stem. 

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/squash-vine-borers

Melonworm is more often associated with rolled leaves and skeletonized leaf veins.

https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/crops-commercial-horticulture/horticulture/ar-fruit-veg-nut-update-blog/posts/melonworm-2024.aspx

If you want, send a clear photo of the adult bugs and the 

eggs on the leaf underside, and I can help confirm 

whether they’re squash bugs. I hope this information 

proves helpful in identifying the problem pest along with

ways to control it.

For Iowa-specific product options, you can also check with 

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach through 

your county office: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/countyservices/

Important Notice: Information provided regarding 

pesticides, herbicides, or other chemical products is 

intended for general guidance only. Always refer to 

product labels, consult certified experts, and adhere 

strictly to local laws and regulations before using any 

chemical products.

Kathi