eXtension

Squash vine borers over-wintering

Asked June 4, 2018, 9:33 AM EDT

For years I have battled squash vine borers on/in my zucchinis. Am I correct in understanding that the grubs live in the soil and, if so, would it help if I did not plant squash for a year or two to eliminate their food source there? Or did this past winter's single-digit temps do them in?

Prince George's County Maryland

1 Response

Unfortunately, no, few pesty insects are affected by our winters.
Some people have luck with stopping those crops for a time, but these insects can come in from elsewhere just as easily.

Here is our page on Squash Vine Borer and some management techniques that can help to control them:
http://extension.umd.edu/hgic/squash-vine-borer-vegetables

cm