About 4 years ago I stumbled on a VERY EFFECTIVE squash bug repellant. PLANT DILL in the row with your squash or zucchini. Look it up. A small fly called Tachinid fly is drawn to the dill. They lay their eggs on squash bugs - which kill them!!! Keeps squash bugs away! I have been a gardener for many years, btw. When I happen on to something that works this well, I share it.
Duct tape wrapped around two fingers (sticky side out) quickly removes all the eggs on leaves/vines with one dab. I also adhere the squash bugs to the tape as well, so I don’t need to touch them. Once the tape is full of eggs and bugs I burn it which completely disposes of the problem.
Our poor husbands....always the subject of the "smell tests" 🤣 "Babe, does this smell like it went bad?" "Babe, does this smell weird?" "Ewwww, babe! Smell this!?"
LOL!!!! I have to hand it to you, I don’t squish them with my hands. I use duct tape to grab all the babies and I toss all the adults in a jar of water. So the trick I have to finding the adults, is spraying the plants with some water. They hate getting wet and start climbing UP. They’ll often climb to the top of the plant, right in plain view. They are also normally in pairs.
I went 🤢 when she smooshed the mama lol. I also toss all of the adults in a jar of water and was just coming on here to share the same tip about them coming right up the plant when watered.
The prickly leaves really cause a rash on my arms. I don’t always have long sleeves on so after washing my arms I apply Calendula salve and it takes the sting away and settles down the rash.
Moved to northern Alabama last year and squash bugs killed my squash plants and no squash. This year I waited until mid June to plant and I’m back to lots of squash! I hosed my plants to look for any squash bugs coming up. Only found 4 and took care of them. Found the eggs and took care of them and that was it. I think I got ahead of their lifecycle fingers crossed! 😊🌻
Thank you so much for sharing. I will definitely wrap my stems next year for the vine borers. A few things I have done this year that has worked for me. 1) I stake my squash plants on 8 ft furing strip boards. This helps me with my bad back from bending too much. 2) Duck take to remove the eggs or just rub them off. 3) This one is my favorite. I use soapy water in a gallon spray bottle. I use the Ajax lemon scented one from the dollar tree. I spray in the evenings at the base of the plant and in the nice clusters of leaves, flowers and fruit. You will see the MAMAs run up the plant. Then I give them a good spry and they die within a minute or so.
I found squash bugs in Tennessee the last two weeks of June. They destroyed 7 crooknecks before I was able to get them under control. Thankfully I had 25 plants.
This is awesome!! I just need to get over my aversion to bug guts on my hand lol. Here you are sniffing them even. Lol Not all sheros wear capes. 😁😂🤣🦗🐞🐜🐛
Oh how I wish I didn’t have to start hunting for squash bugs until after July 4. My southern garden is infested with those dang bugs this year and I have been picking them since May. I found them on the top sides of leaves, on the bottom sides of leaves, on flowers, my tomato plants…I even found a clutch of eggs on a copper bird feeder that had a leaf shaped as a decorative element. I think they’re finally starting to die down and luckily I have enough time for a fall crop so I will give it another try this season. Just a tip on finding those adults, if you spray the base of the plant with your hose they usually come scurrying up and you can catch a whole bunch of those adults. 😃
Oh my, Rachel, you look extra beautiful on this day!😀 That dress, those glasses, and your hair - along with your relaxed "slayer-vibe"...just so pretty! Happy squashing! 😎👑🌻💖
To catch the adult squash bugs I stack a few small logs between my squash and in the heat of the day come through and spray the stacks with the hose. The bugs hide there when it's hot and climb to the top of the stack when you spray it 🙂
The way I hunt the adults is to water around the base of the plant. They don’t like it and run for higher ground (usually up the plant). I pluck them off and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. I also drop the eggs and nymphs into the soapy water too. They seem to come out of nowhere. I won’t see much activity for days on end then all of a sudden (like today) I catch half a dozen adults or more.
New gardener here! Wish I had seen this video weeks ago. The dang bugs destroyed my crop this year before I knew what was happening. But they won't win next year thanks to you!
I think every year, for the last 10 years I say, no more growing curcubits for me, I give up, but then March rolls around and I develop a new plan to win the battle, lol. And I would swear that those dreaded veggie killers get smarter and smarter! Thanks for the video, so nice to not feel so alone when it comes to eradication!
I’m so glad to see you post this video as to how easy it is to get rid of pests in the garden. I’m in Ontario (Canada), and right now I’m overrun with Japanese beetles. I’d rather hand pick off multiple times a day than use any pesticides that end of killing the bees/butterflies etc. I hope other people follow your example. Great video as always!
I think you and I are doing the same thing...going on a treasure hunt for squash bug and eggs ! I absolutely hate sprays or dusts so if at all possible I avoid them. I can’t even walk in the garden centers and smell the chemicals without getting agitated. Squish away! 👊🏻
I too grow organic with heavy mulch. Squash bugs are my nemesis! One thing you can do is pour or squirt water around the stem. The bugs will crawl out. Catch and kill. I never go to the garden without my mini, pointed, cutters. It pretty easy to cut the head off the bugs. Another thing I do to cut down on time... I prune my yellow squash and zucchini leaves. I don't prune until there are lots of large leaves and plenty new leaves coming on. I feed the leaves to my ducks and chickens. I keep watching the "squash bug" videos, hoping for the organic miracle! God bless you and your gardens! :)
Lot's of great info here. One thing I can say definitely works on adults and babies is spraying them directly with soapy water. It's amazing how fast they will die. For anyone who doesn't want to touch the little buggers - this might be a good option for you.
I won the first round of squash bugs by doing what your doing ... They are back after days and days of rain .. so think BT is going to be my weapon of choice this time around
This is my first year trying to grow yellow squash and zucchini and I’m convinced that squash bugs are the spawn of Satan. I had to pull up three plants. 🤞🏻 that the others survive.
Sadly, I’ve had to learn a lot about squash bugs and other leaf-footed bugs because we are OVERRUN every year. Spring until fall. It’s terrible. I’ll share what I’ve found to work. BT definitely won’t do anything to kill any of those leaf footed bugs. Even Neem oil doesn’t work well on these suckers. -Daily vigilance is spot on- it’s the only way to keep from having them get super overwhelming. -I use a hand vac to suck up the adults because I really do think they stink terribly when you smash them. I will also suck up the nymphs. When I empty it out, I shake them right into a bucket of soapy water because they won’t be able to crawl out. -I use painters’ tape to take the eggs off the leaves because it’ll grab the eggs and not injure the leaves. -get to know the difference between assassin bug nymphs (the good guys!) and squash bug nymphs. It’s tough, but important. You definitely want the assassin bugs around. And don’t just check your squash and melon plants. The leaf footed bugs I have this year are in love with my cucumber vines. The stink bugs and squash bugs have been hiding under my ground cherry leaves a ton this year. I’ve found their eggs on random weeds, even!
Hi Rachel. Congrats on the pumpkin growing this season. It takes a wonderful woman a wonderful to smash bugs. What a wonderful video. I am so proud of you Rachel. God Bless you Rachel, and Todd as well. Stay safe. Maria. 💁🖐️💁🖐️💁🖐️❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗❤❤❤❤❤❤
Diligent is your middle name, girl! I applaud you! There’s no way I would be willing to spend the time to hand pick the eggs every day. I have tried, but I couldn’t do it. I’ve tried a lot of things to kill squash bugs, but the only thing that has ever worked for me is Neem oil mixed with Azamax. I think I only had to spray twice and that took care of them. Bt spray is for caterpillars, not bugs like squash bugs. Yes, that’s what my squash bugs look like in Idaho! PS, I don’t think it helps to put them on the ground, they can still hatch on the ground and find their way back to the plant. I use duct tape to encase them and squish them.
...There are different BT sprays. BT is for leaf eating worms and gypsy moths. BTg is for beetles, including Japanese beetles. That spray may kill the squash bugs, but I don't think they're considered a beetle, just an insect. Frasier Valley Rose Farm promoted BTg for killing the Japanese beetles. Just passing the info along...Happy squashing! 🌻
I sadly did not plant any squash or Zuch this year because the squash bug pressure was so bad last year.. I worked hard to try an keep up with them in many ways! This year I planted tons of cucumbers and they are looking great, however the squash bugs arrived for me last week-ish and they are all over my cuke plants. I'm determined to get them all!:))))
We lost both of our zucchini plants to squash bugs this year. I spent weeks fighting them and it was just too much. Planting a few in a different area of our property hoping we can still get a decent harvest.
It was good to see what these things look like Rachel, thanks for filming this. It is a lot of work to keep on top of the bugs. I have helpers in my garden - lots of birds. True, they can be a problem in the tomato patch because they like to poke holes and drink tomato water, but birds have done more to eradicate pests than anything else I've tried. They have better eyesight than I do :) I like to sit on the ground and watch them troll under the leaves and jump up and catch their prey and feed them to their babies who sit waiting on the trellis. I noticed a few wasps in my green's and realized they were after the aphids which I have a problem with this year for the first time ever - so they are helpful to me as well and as long as I leave them be they don't sting. I haven't seen a squash bug yet but check every day. Thanks for your videos, they are really helpful. Oh, I was going to say that BT doesn't work on the eggs or the insects, just the caterpillar/worm type larvae, you probably know that though. To prevent squash vine borers I am trying a half a plastic solo cup that I pushed into the ground around my seedlings. The principle behind this is that it acts as a blocking device below the soil level. I have also planted some companion plants around the veg and that has served me well in the past - lots of aromatic culinary herbs like oregano, mints, marjoram, edible marigolds, nasturtiums, basils, rosemary and such. Someone below said she planted dill around them to attract the tachinid wasp, that's a real good idea, I'm going to do that next time too.
I've done a couple of ways to repel squash bugs. Coffee grounds around the base of plants. Planting onions along side the squash plant. To kill eggs- dish soap and water spray. Epsom salt and water spray. Hydrogen peroxide and water spray. Happy debugging!!!
Thanks! I’ve been on squash egg/bug hunt each morning & usually evening too. I did wrap the vine @ base but may not have done it tight enough or went up high enough. This is first time growing spaghetti squash and am still learning. I agree that time in garden is enjoyable as long as you can get out there early. 💕from Ky.
I can’t touch them!!!! Lol. I do grab real quick and throw in soapy water! But I’ve given up growing squash. I’m just supporting my local farmers and let them deal with it. I love all the edible findings that are hidden in the garden.
I do the same as you but this year I finally gave up and pulled the zucchini and cucumbers all up. They were mostly done anyway. My pumpkins even are all harvested. South Carolina is way ahead of the northern states.
Too much ahead. Y'all won't have any pumpkins for decorating. They'll be long dead by then. That's crazy. Maybe planting your pumpkins, cukes and squash later than you did would help? You can plant more cukes & squash now. They should mature in time. Good luck! 🍀
Hoping to try straw bale gardening next year. I’ll have to rewatch your video so I can get them prepped. My bucket potatoes did great this year! Just harvested 6-7 pounds!
Thanks for doing this video. This is the first time Ive grown squash and didn't know what to do about the bugs and the eggs I keep finding on the leaves
How long is the bug season?! I tried the wrap, and it helped so much. I haven't lost one to vine borer, but the bugs are out of control. I actual pull 2 plants that was so overtaken. It was easier to sacrifice them, and stomp that many bugs. I fear I'm losing the battle, if the season you speak of isnt over soon.
Hi there! The struggle is real! 😂 I’ve seen videos showing that wrapping masking tape around your hand, sticky side out, makes it easier to grab the eggs! Haven’t tried it yet, but it looked like it works well!
I live in the south and got an early crop of yellow squash and zucchini. I have already had to pull the plants due to bugs! I’ll wait and plant another succession here in late Aug early Sept. I was out in the garden this morning squishing little caterpillars off my tomato plants, but I was using gloves. Not brave enough to use my bare hands yet lol. I’m constantly checking the garden for bugs. They can devastate a crop real quick😡
I do the same as you with my squash plants. Plus lots of interplanting to bring in beneficial bugs to hunt the non-beneficial bugs. I don’t use any sprays as they kill the beneficial bugs too. Occasionally I get one plant, usually weak from the start, that gets a huge infestation. I cut them and carefully put them in the trash can.
Rachael, I am a new gardener and the attack is real. I have even made my own bug killer but for me the only thing that really works is checking Every day. Even then I list my only two bell papers this morning to bugs that weren’t there yesterday.
Interestingly enough, my ground cherries have been the most effected by supposed squash loving bugs. Vine borers just love to sit on it all day long, its bananas
That a big a squash bug good gravy oh girl my season I dnt think ends ive seen them dang thing middle winter before. I've not had huge deal of then this year maybe if I continue to keep it up. However those vine boer though got them this year no mater how much I've covered the dang stem am blaming it on the rain and lack of the BT staying on hard cath those boogers.
Great Video. I also have found intercropping dill to be effective at lowering the populations of squash bugs. Still looking for solutions to the borers however..
I'm out about 3 times a day, luckily I haven't had any hatch, but they love to bed down in hay and straw, which makes sense why you have so many in the straw bale gardens. I hand pick all of mine and carry a small bottle with some olive oil in it. I've gotten mostly adults, I find that mine are most active when the dew is still out, and around 3 in the afternoon. I've had them on all of my vines, pumpkin, zucchini, the gourds, nothing has been safe. I think the bugs have an oddly pleasant smell when smashed too haha.
Do you have to wrap the stems of the pumpkin and crook neck squash also, like you do to the zucchini? I will search for those little buggers today like you did. I learn so much from you. Someone should invent a little vacuum to suck up those eggs! Maybe sticky tape would work to get them off without poking holes in the leaves?
Do those bugs also lay eggs on cucumber plants? I thought I saw something that looked like the adult but thought it was just a stink bug.I need to re check my cucumbers.
I just plant 10x more than I could ever need. I plant it in different places. I just share with the bugs. Squash wants to grow. Is there anything more prolific?I'm ultimately lazy. Pretty east to push another seed in
Funny that you made this video! This past week I’ve been searching for a video for these pesky little bugs as them and the white cabbage moths are eating my brussel sprouts, kale and the base of my squash plants like crazy! What I did find was on another video where the lady uses them office finger thingys made of rubber and she squished them between her fingers lol what suited me was the finger thingys cause I cannot stand the feeling of them squished 😆🤢
I saw that tip also on The Big Blue Homestead…. I would think that it would help grip them better, looks like they slide off your bare fingers otherwise ❤️ your tip redinthevalley.
I was given a tip from a orchard in Michigan who said they use duct tape to pull the eggs off of the leaves. I have yet to try it as I haven't found any eggs on my leaves as of yet.
Last year I checked every plant every day. My first year last year and amazing squash and pumpkin plants. But somehow the more I checked and got rid of eggs and babies, they still overwhelmed the bed and I lost it all. Now I'm sure there are still some overwintered in the dirt there so I'm oping to plant sunchokes there instead. I hope they don't eat that, too.
Love your videos!!.. so i watched an asian garden channel and she recommends squishing the bug on the plant and leaving it there on the leaf because it will release a smell that will tell other bugs not to come there.. not sure if its true.. just thought id pass it on ...maybe someone else has more info on this..
Yep here in the CA high desert I just came in from killing them by squishing.They are out in full force along with the tomato horn worms. I found a lizard helping me though. Ours looks like that too. I found two male and female doing the deed and one laying.
YES!!! Squash bugs are the work of the devil! The adults are easier to find after a rain or while you’re watering. They climb up the vines and are easier to find and get to. They can kill a healthy vine in 3 days! I’ve had to learn that the hard way
I normally squash them darn bugs. I have Japanese beetles I squash, stomp or if I remember I bring a jar with soapy water and drop those suckers in there.
About 4 years ago I stumbled on a VERY EFFECTIVE squash bug repellant. PLANT DILL in the row with your squash or zucchini. Look it up. A small fly called Tachinid fly is drawn to the dill. They lay their eggs on squash bugs - which kill them!!! Keeps squash bugs away! I have been a gardener for many years, btw. When I happen on to something that works this well, I share it.
Ty
I’m gunna try this. I love these kinds of tips.
Tysm
Thank you!
Does the dill start taking over and become a problem?
Duct tape wrapped around two fingers (sticky side out) quickly removes all the eggs on leaves/vines with one dab. I also adhere the squash bugs to the tape as well, so I don’t need to touch them. Once the tape is full of eggs and bugs I burn it which completely disposes of the problem.
Our poor husbands....always the subject of the "smell tests" 🤣 "Babe, does this smell like it went bad?" "Babe, does this smell weird?" "Ewwww, babe! Smell this!?"
LOL!!!! I have to hand it to you, I don’t squish them with my hands. I use duct tape to grab all the babies and I toss all the adults in a jar of water. So the trick I have to finding the adults, is spraying the plants with some water. They hate getting wet and start climbing UP. They’ll often climb to the top of the plant, right in plain view. They are also normally in pairs.
I went 🤢 when she smooshed the mama lol. I also toss all of the adults in a jar of water and was just coming on here to share the same tip about them coming right up the plant when watered.
The prickly leaves really cause a rash on my arms. I don’t always have long sleeves on so after washing my arms I apply Calendula salve and it takes the sting away and settles down the rash.
Moved to northern Alabama last year and squash bugs killed my squash plants and no squash. This year I waited until mid June to plant and I’m back to lots of squash! I hosed my plants to look for any squash bugs coming up. Only found 4 and took care of them. Found the eggs and took care of them and that was it. I think I got ahead of their lifecycle fingers crossed! 😊🌻
Thank you so much for sharing. I will definitely wrap my stems next year for the vine borers. A few things I have done this year that has worked for me. 1) I stake my squash plants on 8 ft furing strip boards. This helps me with my bad back from bending too much. 2) Duck take to remove the eggs or just rub them off. 3) This one is my favorite. I use soapy water in a gallon spray bottle. I use the Ajax lemon scented one from the dollar tree. I spray in the evenings at the base of the plant and in the nice clusters of leaves, flowers and fruit. You will see the MAMAs run up the plant. Then I give them a good spry and they die within a minute or so.
Haha when you squished the mom and said “no more” I chuckled 😆 I always squish them and say this is my squash not yours!
I found squash bugs in Tennessee the last two weeks of June. They destroyed 7 crooknecks before I was able to get them under control. Thankfully I had 25 plants.
This is awesome!! I just need to get over my aversion to bug guts on my hand lol. Here you are sniffing them even. Lol Not all sheros wear capes. 😁😂🤣🦗🐞🐜🐛
I heard one channel say they smell like pears( fruity). That may be why she said, “smells like Pledge”.
You said it! Don't know if I could do that...
I have not gotten over that either. I can squash them in gloves or I'd grab the leaf and fold it over and squash them!
@@sandrainontario6710 Now why didn't I ever think to fold the leaf on them 🤦♀️😁 I'm in Ontario 🇨🇦 too 👋
Oh how I wish I didn’t have to start hunting for squash bugs until after July 4. My southern garden is infested with those dang bugs this year and I have been picking them since May. I found them on the top sides of leaves, on the bottom sides of leaves, on flowers, my tomato plants…I even found a clutch of eggs on a copper bird feeder that had a leaf shaped as a decorative element. I think they’re finally starting to die down and luckily I have enough time for a fall crop so I will give it another try this season. Just a tip on finding those adults, if you spray the base of the plant with your hose they usually come scurrying up and you can catch a whole bunch of those adults. 😃
Thanks for sharing
Oh my, Rachel, you look extra beautiful on this day!😀 That dress, those glasses, and your hair - along with your relaxed "slayer-vibe"...just so pretty! Happy squashing! 😎👑🌻💖
To catch the adult squash bugs I stack a few small logs between my squash and in the heat of the day come through and spray the stacks with the hose. The bugs hide there when it's hot and climb to the top of the stack when you spray it 🙂
Yep. I can spray all the sprays but 9 times out of 10 OBSERVATION is what saves my behind in the garden!
"Die sucker!" You are so funny!! Good for you!! Thanks for sharing.
The way I hunt the adults is to water around the base of the plant. They don’t like it and run for higher ground (usually up the plant). I pluck them off and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. I also drop the eggs and nymphs into the soapy water too. They seem to come out of nowhere. I won’t see much activity for days on end then all of a sudden (like today) I catch half a dozen adults or more.
I laughed so hard when you sniffed your hands! They smell kind of like froot loops cereal to me (which I hate the smell of).
Hoss seed channel said to use tape to remove eggs. I tried it and it works well. Not as messy and nicer to leaves.
New gardener here! Wish I had seen this video weeks ago. The dang bugs destroyed my crop this year before I knew what was happening. But they won't win next year thanks to you!
Omg squash it and smell it.. next level gardener lol
I think every year, for the last 10 years I say, no more growing curcubits for me, I give up, but then March rolls around and I develop a new plan to win the battle, lol. And I would swear that those dreaded veggie killers get smarter and smarter! Thanks for the video, so nice to not feel so alone when it comes to eradication!
I’m so glad to see you post this video as to how easy it is to get rid of pests in the garden. I’m in Ontario (Canada), and right now I’m overrun with Japanese beetles. I’d rather hand pick off multiple times a day than use any pesticides that end of killing the bees/butterflies etc. I hope other people follow your example. Great video as always!
Love seeing those bees on the Borage! So pretty!
I think you and I are doing the same thing...going on a treasure hunt for squash bug and eggs !
I absolutely hate sprays or dusts so if at all possible I avoid them. I can’t even walk in the garden centers and smell the chemicals without getting agitated.
Squish away! 👊🏻
We definitely need to stay vigilant in the garden, Rachel. Thanks for the tips and advice.
I too grow organic with heavy mulch. Squash bugs are my nemesis! One thing you can do is pour or squirt water around the stem. The bugs will crawl out. Catch and kill. I never go to the garden without my mini, pointed, cutters. It pretty easy to cut the head off the bugs. Another thing I do to cut down on time... I prune my yellow squash and zucchini leaves. I don't prune until there are lots of large leaves and plenty new leaves coming on. I feed the leaves to my ducks and chickens. I keep watching the "squash bug" videos, hoping for the organic miracle! God bless you and your gardens! :)
Lot's of great info here. One thing I can say definitely works on adults and babies is spraying them directly with soapy water. It's amazing how fast they will die. For anyone who doesn't want to touch the little buggers - this might be a good option for you.
I won the first round of squash bugs by doing what your doing ... They are back after days and days of rain .. so think BT is going to be my weapon of choice this time around
This is my first year trying to grow yellow squash and zucchini and I’m convinced that squash bugs are the spawn of Satan. I had to pull up three plants. 🤞🏻 that the others survive.
Sadly, I’ve had to learn a lot about squash bugs and other leaf-footed bugs because we are OVERRUN every year. Spring until fall. It’s terrible. I’ll share what I’ve found to work. BT definitely won’t do anything to kill any of those leaf footed bugs. Even Neem oil doesn’t work well on these suckers.
-Daily vigilance is spot on- it’s the only way to keep from having them get super overwhelming.
-I use a hand vac to suck up the adults because I really do think they stink terribly when you smash them. I will also suck up the nymphs. When I empty it out, I shake them right into a bucket of soapy water because they won’t be able to crawl out.
-I use painters’ tape to take the eggs off the leaves because it’ll grab the eggs and not injure the leaves.
-get to know the difference between assassin bug nymphs (the good guys!) and squash bug nymphs. It’s tough, but important. You definitely want the assassin bugs around.
And don’t just check your squash and melon plants. The leaf footed bugs I have this year are in love with my cucumber vines. The stink bugs and squash bugs have been hiding under my ground cherry leaves a ton this year. I’ve found their eggs on random weeds, even!
Hi Rachel. Congrats on the pumpkin growing this season. It takes a wonderful woman a wonderful to smash bugs. What a wonderful video. I am so proud of you Rachel. God Bless you Rachel, and Todd as well. Stay safe. Maria. 💁🖐️💁🖐️💁🖐️❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗❤❤❤❤❤❤
You're babying your plants and they respond to your love:)))
Lol , that's what mine look like to ! The babies last year were out of control so this year new location that's never been a garden so far so good !
Diligent is your middle name, girl! I applaud you! There’s no way I would be willing to spend the time to hand pick the eggs every day. I have tried, but I couldn’t do it. I’ve tried a lot of things to kill squash bugs, but the only thing that has ever worked for me is Neem oil mixed with Azamax. I think I only had to spray twice and that took care of them. Bt spray is for caterpillars, not bugs like squash bugs. Yes, that’s what my squash bugs look like in Idaho!
PS, I don’t think it helps to put them on the ground, they can still hatch on the ground and find their way back to the plant. I use duct tape to encase them and squish them.
Someone mentioned Dill plants down the middle row!! I'm in Idaho also.
Idaho here too.......plant my squash in mid June
...There are different BT sprays. BT is for leaf eating worms and gypsy moths. BTg is for beetles, including Japanese beetles. That spray may kill the squash bugs, but I don't think they're considered a beetle, just an insect. Frasier Valley Rose Farm promoted BTg for killing the Japanese beetles. Just passing the info along...Happy squashing! 🌻
Ewww, the baby squash bugs are creepy. I haven't grown squash but I've always heard of them. Thanks for sharing!
Yes! I did this chore this morning!
Love love love your vidéos. Love from Spain
I sadly did not plant any squash or Zuch this year because the squash bug pressure was so bad last year.. I worked hard to try an keep up with them in many ways! This year I planted tons of cucumbers and they are looking great, however the squash bugs arrived for me last week-ish and they are all over my cuke plants. I'm determined to get them all!:))))
Same battle here in Texas!!!
Really nice garden
We lost both of our zucchini plants to squash bugs this year. I spent weeks fighting them and it was just too much. Planting a few in a different area of our property hoping we can still get a decent harvest.
The bane of the squash plants!
It was good to see what these things look like Rachel, thanks for filming this. It is a lot of work to keep on top of the bugs. I have helpers in my garden - lots of birds. True, they can be a problem in the tomato patch because they like to poke holes and drink tomato water, but birds have done more to eradicate pests than anything else I've tried. They have better eyesight than I do :) I like to sit on the ground and watch them troll under the leaves and jump up and catch their prey and feed them to their babies who sit waiting on the trellis. I noticed a few wasps in my green's and realized they were after the aphids which I have a problem with this year for the first time ever - so they are helpful to me as well and as long as I leave them be they don't sting. I haven't seen a squash bug yet but check every day. Thanks for your videos, they are really helpful.
Oh, I was going to say that BT doesn't work on the eggs or the insects, just the caterpillar/worm type larvae, you probably know that though. To prevent squash vine borers I am trying a half a plastic solo cup that I pushed into the ground around my seedlings. The principle behind this is that it acts as a blocking device below the soil level. I have also planted some companion plants around the veg and that has served me well in the past - lots of aromatic culinary herbs like oregano, mints, marjoram, edible marigolds, nasturtiums, basils, rosemary and such. Someone below said she planted dill around them to attract the tachinid wasp, that's a real good idea, I'm going to do that next time too.
I had the squash bugs in June. And vine borers too
We do the same by hand. Squash season is from March to May here in central Texas. We plant the fall squash end of August. Great video!!!
I've done a couple of ways to repel squash bugs. Coffee grounds around the base of plants. Planting onions along side the squash plant.
To kill eggs- dish soap and water spray. Epsom salt and water spray. Hydrogen peroxide and water spray. Happy debugging!!!
Wow I am going to try the "Plant Dill" this year. Great video Rachel. Cheers Denise- Australia
Thanks! I’ve been on squash egg/bug hunt each morning & usually evening too. I did wrap the vine @ base but may not have done it tight enough or went up high enough. This is first time growing spaghetti squash and am still learning. I agree that time in garden is enjoyable as long as you can get out there early. 💕from Ky.
When you smashed the mama I wasn’t expecting that an oh my goodness you made me laugh.
I can’t touch them!!!! Lol. I do grab real quick and throw in soapy water! But I’ve given up growing squash. I’m just supporting my local farmers and let them deal with it. I love all the edible findings that are hidden in the garden.
I love how excited you get when you see your vegetables! You’re so brave smashing bugs!!
Yes we are going hunting!
I do the same as you but this year I finally gave up and pulled the zucchini and cucumbers all up. They were mostly done anyway. My pumpkins even are all harvested. South Carolina is way ahead of the northern states.
Too much ahead. Y'all won't have any pumpkins for decorating. They'll be long dead by then. That's crazy. Maybe planting your pumpkins, cukes and squash later than you did would help? You can plant more cukes & squash now. They should mature in time. Good luck! 🍀
Good idea. Hands on!
Hoping to try straw bale gardening next year. I’ll have to rewatch your video so I can get them prepped. My bucket potatoes did great this year! Just harvested 6-7 pounds!
Thanks for doing this video. This is the first time Ive grown squash and didn't know what to do about the bugs and the eggs I keep finding on the leaves
How long is the bug season?! I tried the wrap, and it helped so much. I haven't lost one to vine borer, but the bugs are out of control. I actual pull 2 plants that was so overtaken. It was easier to sacrifice them, and stomp that many bugs. I fear I'm losing the battle, if the season you speak of isnt over soon.
Hi there! The struggle is real! 😂 I’ve seen videos showing that wrapping masking tape around your hand, sticky side out, makes it easier to grab the eggs! Haven’t tried it yet, but it looked like it works well!
I live in the south and got an early crop of yellow squash and zucchini. I have already had to pull the plants due to bugs! I’ll wait and plant another succession here in late Aug early Sept. I was out in the garden this morning squishing little caterpillars off my tomato plants, but I was using gloves. Not brave enough to use my bare hands yet lol. I’m constantly checking the garden for bugs. They can devastate a crop real quick😡
Tks for sharing this
Hand picking works up here. Out of despiration, I had to net a larger plot one year & pick adults off the net.
I check every day and squash with vigor!
Old Alabama Gardener just said that the squash bugs aren’t harming your plants but rather the vine borer!
They both will do alot of damage
Sqush vine borers are my culprit. Been staying on top of it. I use the BT and have also started wrapping my vines. Also have done succession planting.
Great tips and what a beautiful garden you have this year!!
I do the same as you with my squash plants. Plus lots of interplanting to bring in beneficial bugs to hunt the non-beneficial bugs. I don’t use any sprays as they kill the beneficial bugs too. Occasionally I get one plant, usually weak from the start, that gets a huge infestation. I cut them and carefully put them in the trash can.
Awsome! I JUST found these on my zucchini plants and didnt know what they were! 😊
Thank you guys I needed that laugh..die suckers..I have been having a grub war I had to pull a whole raised bed..
Rachael, I am a new gardener and the attack is real. I have even made my own bug killer but for me the only thing that really works is checking Every day. Even then I list my only two bell papers this morning to bugs that weren’t there yesterday.
Interestingly enough, my ground cherries have been the most effected by supposed squash loving bugs. Vine borers just love to sit on it all day long, its bananas
That a big a squash bug good gravy oh girl my season I dnt think ends ive seen them dang thing middle winter before. I've not had huge deal of then this year maybe if I continue to keep it up. However those vine boer though got them this year no mater how much I've covered the dang stem am blaming it on the rain and lack of the BT staying on hard cath those boogers.
If you spray water on the plants the adults will appear on the leaves and you can get them. Saw this on another video
In mtl we dont have these yet but the squash vine borer... i wrapped mine like yours and so far seems to work
Great Video. I also have found intercropping dill to be effective at lowering the populations of squash bugs. Still looking for solutions to the borers however..
You’re right, those looked like stink bugs. We are over run with those. They even get in the house.
I’m hunting them with ya! Every day. Any idea how long their “season” is?
I'm out about 3 times a day, luckily I haven't had any hatch, but they love to bed down in hay and straw, which makes sense why you have so many in the straw bale gardens. I hand pick all of mine and carry a small bottle with some olive oil in it. I've gotten mostly adults, I find that mine are most active when the dew is still out, and around 3 in the afternoon. I've had them on all of my vines, pumpkin, zucchini, the gourds, nothing has been safe. I think the bugs have an oddly pleasant smell when smashed too haha.
Nice pumpkin
I do a combination of BT and hand squishing. So far so good.
Do you have to wrap the stems of the pumpkin and crook neck squash also, like you do to the zucchini? I will search for those little buggers today like you did. I learn so much from you. Someone should invent a little vacuum to suck up those eggs! Maybe sticky tape would work to get them off without poking holes in the leaves?
Get them little devils! lol
I haven’t seen any squash bugs on my 3 plants yet but I have a critter eating my blossoms. I may need to put a fence up next year.
Do those bugs also lay eggs on cucumber plants? I thought I saw something that looked like the adult but thought it was just a stink bug.I need to re check my cucumbers.
I just plant 10x more than I could ever need. I plant it in different places. I just share with the bugs. Squash wants to grow. Is there anything more prolific?I'm ultimately lazy. Pretty east to push another seed in
Funny that you made this video! This past week I’ve been searching for a video for these pesky little bugs as them and the white cabbage moths are eating my brussel sprouts, kale and the base of my squash plants like crazy! What I did find was on another video where the lady uses them office finger thingys made of rubber and she squished them between her fingers lol what suited me was the finger thingys cause I cannot stand the feeling of them squished 😆🤢
I saw that tip also on The Big Blue Homestead…. I would think that it would help grip them better, looks like they slide off your bare fingers otherwise ❤️ your tip redinthevalley.
So glad we don't have squash bugs here. Also no tomato horn worms either.
What location?
I do exactlywhat you do!!
I was given a tip from a orchard in Michigan who said they use duct tape to pull the eggs off of the leaves. I have yet to try it as I haven't found any eggs on my leaves as of yet.
Thanks that was very helpful. Now my question is how to keep squirrels out of my corn?
Good question!
Last year I checked every plant every day. My first year last year and amazing squash and pumpkin plants. But somehow the more I checked and got rid of eggs and babies, they still overwhelmed the bed and I lost it all. Now I'm sure there are still some overwintered in the dirt there so I'm oping to plant sunchokes there instead. I hope they don't eat that, too.
Love your videos!!.. so i watched an asian garden channel and she recommends squishing the bug on the plant and leaving it there on the leaf because it will release a smell that will tell other bugs not to come there.. not sure if its true.. just thought id pass it on ...maybe someone else has more info on this..
I have heard the same. Or make a spray of them and spray the plants with bug guts.
Awesome, love ur videos
I know this video is old, but what do you do with patty-pan (sp) squash? I've never heard of them
Yep here in the CA high desert I just came in from killing them by squishing.They are out in full force along with the tomato horn worms. I found a lizard helping me though. Ours looks like that too. I found two male and female doing the deed and one laying.
Rachel, where are you located? I’m new to your channel and am wondering if we’re in the same zone. I live outside of Boston.
SE Michigan. Zone 6a / 6b
Are the seasons for the vine borer and the squash bug about the same in every zone?
Or do people in southern states have these bugs the whole season?
I found squash bug the last two weeks of June in middle Tennessee on the KY state line.
A suggestion from another you tuber (can't remember who) buy those rubber finger tips secretaries wear for page turning. Rub over eggs and smush!
nice video
YES!!! Squash bugs are the work of the devil! The adults are easier to find after a rain or while you’re watering. They climb up the vines and are easier to find and get to. They can kill a healthy vine in 3 days! I’ve had to learn that the hard way
I normally squash them darn bugs. I have Japanese beetles I squash, stomp or if I remember I bring a jar with soapy water and drop those suckers in there.