![]() You’ll also want to make sure to cover the undersides of leaves thoroughly. The best time to apply any pesticide would be early morning or late evening. Neem oil is also effective and a safer alternative to most other types of pesticides. ![]() If this is the case, you can apply carbaryl (Sevin) per the instructions, with repeated applications as needed. To use, fill a glass spray bottle with water and add 20-40 drops of your chosen essential oil or a combination of oils. Because of this, insecticides are not usually necessary for squash bug control unless large numbers are found. Use essential oils Some of the best essential oils to use as an insect deterrent are peppermint oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil, Terrashield oil blend, clove oil, and rosemary oil. Squash bugs tend to be tolerant of pesticides, so using pesticides may not reduce the population. The bugs will then gather in groups beneath this during the night and can be easily collected in the morning, dropping them into a pail of soapy water. You can create a squash bug trap by laying out cardboard or newspaper around the plants. Collecting and destroying the bugs and their eggs is the best method of control. In large numbers, they are more difficult to kill and will cause significant damage. When controlling squash bugs, early detection is important. Wilting is also evident, after which both the vines and leaves turn black and crispy. Once plants have been attacked by these pests, their foliage may become spotted and begin turning brown. The larger plants are usually more tolerant, though squash bug control may still be necessary. Young plants are generally more susceptible to their damage, and if you don’t get rid of squash bugs, young plants will die. They may also be found along the vines and unripe fruit. You will find their eggs on the undersides of leaves up until about midsummer and both the adult and nymph bugs can be seen clustered together near the base of plants beneath foliage. Insecticides should be directed against young nymphs. On average it takes about four to six weeks for them to mature into adult squash bugs. Squash bugs are secretive and difficult to reach with insecticides. The nymphs are usually a white to greenish-gray color and have no wings, though they do have legs. When crushed, they will give off an undeniably foul odor as well. The adult bugs are approximately 5/8 inches (1.5 cm.) long, have wings, and are brownish-black in color with some gray mottling. Squash bug identification is relatively easy to recognize. Both adults and nymphs can literally suck the life right out of these plants, leaving them to wilt and eventually die if not controlled. Squash bugs are one of the most common pests affecting squash plants, but also attack other cucurbits, like pumpkins and cucumbers.
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