Proper control of squash bugs on plants requires knowledge about the life cycle and habits of these pests. These destructive pests are normally associated with squashes and pumpkins.
If you are wondering how to get rid of squash bugs, some effective methods include hand-picking, intercropping, and using organic insecticides. Through early identification of possible dangers and constant interference, gardeners can safeguard the plants.
Row covers are an effective barrier against squash bugs; however, they should be used early to safeguard plants from these pests. These covers do not allow the adult squash bugs to penetrate and lay eggs on the plants.
They should be fixed firmly on the ground to eliminate any chances of an intruder getting inside. Covers should be removed after plants have flowered so as to facilitate pollination.
One of the most popular methods for manual control is the frequent inspection of plants for squash bugs and eggs. Handpicking is most effective in the morning for the simple reason that the pests are less likely to move around.
Put on gloves then move leaves slightly and look for signs at the base of the plant. Pick up the adults, nymphs, and eggs using a brush and dip them in a bucket containing soapy water that will kill them.
Spreading diatomaceous earth around the base of plants also helps to control pests naturally. The fine powder inhibits the exoskeleton of squash bug and ultimately, the bugs are left to dehydrate and die since the powder is derived from fossilized algae.
Apply a thin layer around the plants and then repeat the process whenever the plants receive water. Though diatomaceous earth is effective its use should be done in moderation so as not to have a negative impact on beneficial insects.
Adult squash bugs are trapped and collected by yellow sticky traps. Set these traps around the squash plants in order to catch the bugs before they lay eggs. The brilliant yellow colour is very appealing to many insect pests and once they come into contact with the sticky surface, they are trapped.
Ensure that traps are often checked and replaced for it to be effective on the management of pests. Sticky traps are a safe technique that, when used with other control strategies, allows for a decrease in the number of squash bugs.
A handheld vacuum is proven to be an organic method of dealing with the squash bugs. This strategy is helpful in extreme cases of infestation such as the presence of a large number of squash bugs. Carefully wipe the plants with the vacuum to pick up the adult bugs, nymphs, and eggs.
Take out the vacuum contents into a bag and dispose of it well off the garden in order to ensure that the bugs do not come back. This method offers instant control and tends to help reduce squash bug abundance without using pesticides.
The use of biological control involves releasing natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasites like parasitic wasps. These beneficial insects feed on the squash bugs and even their eggs which means there will be less of them.
Lacewings and ladybugs feed on nymphs and other adults. Implementing conditions that can favor these insects, including planting flowers that offer nectar and pollen food to them, can add value to the biological control processes.
Organic neem oil from the neem tree also repels and kills squash bugs since it interferes with their reproduction cycle. When used on plants it affects the feeding, molting, and even the reproduction of the bugs. It affects both nymphs and adults and also repels the pests.
Dilute neem oil with water, add some drops of liquid soap, and spray the mixture on all parts of the plants including the lower face of the leaves. Reapply after 7-10 days or after rain to be effective.
A non-systemic contact insecticide that is made from potassium salts of fatty acids is the insecticidal soap. it kills squash bug nymphs through interference of cell membranes consequently causing dehydration and death.
You should spray the soap solution on the bugs and their eggs to make sure that they are fully covered. Insecticidal soap is non-toxic to most plants and even useful insects if applied correctly. Use in the morning or at night when it has the least probability of touching the plants and re-apply when necessary.
Hot pepper spray is also another safe option that can discourage the presence of squash bugs. To prepare the spray, mix the hot peppers with water, filter the mixture, and mix in a few drops of the liquid soap. You should spray the plants with this solution, especially where squash bugs are likely to be hiding.
The volatile substance in hot peppers known as capsaicin deters the bugs from feeding as well as discouraging them from laying eggs. It is best to reapply it to the plant after rainfall or when watering the vegetation to ensure it is still useful.
Squash bugs can be dealt with swiftly by using a solution of soapy water. Dilute a few teaspoons of liquid soap in water and apply it directly over the bugs and their eggs. The soap solution dissolves the cell membranes of the bugs resulting in death through dehydration.
It is recommended to spray the solution on all parts of the plants, especially the bottom side of the leaves. Reapply as needed especially after it rains to avoid infestation of the squash bugs.
Squash bugs are physically deterred from accessing plant surfaces through the formation of a layer of kaolin clay. When applied to plants the fine clay particles recreate a layer that discourages bugs from feeding and even laying eggs.
Run water with a small portion of liquid soap to create a slurry of kaolin clay and spray it on the plants and their surfaces. Best used after rainfall or intense watering of plants and grasses. Kaolin clay is a biologically safe approach since it has low toxicity and is effective in minimizing squash bug infestation.
Garlic is considered to have insecticidal effects that can help in repelling squash bugs. To prepare a garlic spray, one needs to put some cloves of garlic into the water, blend it, then filter the liquid and add several drops of liquid soap.
This solution should be sprayed on the plants, especially on the lower part of the leaves where squash bugs usually lay their eggs. It should be reapplied each time after washing or after rainfall or watering the plants.
Insecticides based on pyrethrins extracted from flowers of chrysanthemum are effective on squash bugs. These insecticides act by interfering with the nervous system of the bugs and causing paralysis and death.
Most importantly, they should be sprayed directly to the bugs and their eggs and ensure that they do reach the bugs. Resort to pyrethrins only when necessary and take precautions marked on the label to avoid negative impacts on beneficial insects and the environment.
A chemical compound derived from the synthetic class of insecticides used to exterminate squash bugs on sight is Permethrin. This interferes with the bug’s nervous system, which paralyzes them and ultimately kills them.
Spray the plants with permethrin-based insecticides and be sure to cover all the parts of the plant. Utilize permethrin only when necessary for heavily infested plants and adhere to all label guidelines to protect non-target insects and the surrounding ecosystems.
Spinosad is a biological insecticide produced from a soil bacterium that can be used efficiently to manage squash bugs. It interferes with the nervous system of the bugs leading to paralysis and death. It is recommended that you spray plants with spinosad-based products where there is intense bug infestation.
Since spinosad is less toxic to beneficial insects, it can be used in Integrated Pest Management. To maximize its effectiveness, use as directed on the label of the product. It targets numerous pests and is a valuable addition to your pest management arsenal.
Balanced nutrient application, water availability, and incorporation of organic matter into the soil enhance plant's ability to fight pests. Some crops are less easily affected by the squash bug and can grow over the damage and recolonize the affected area.
Soil practices such as composting, and mulching enhance the quality of soils to produce healthy plants and reduce pests. Soil sampling will assist you in determining nutrient and pH status, which is especially important for amending to get an ideal plant environment.
Regular checking of the plants for the presence of squash bugs makes it easy to control and eliminate them. Search for the eggs, nymphs, and adult bugs on the lower surface of the leaves and at the plant roots.
This means that when an infestation starts, it should be addressed because it is easier and more effective to control it when the infestation is small. Maintain a record book on pest observations and control methods in order to detect trends and implement better treatments.
Intercropping is a practice whereby two or more crops are grown together with the intention to control pests or attract some beneficial insects. Some plants such as the nasturtiums and marigolds repel squash bugs through their smell, while other flowers such as the dill and fennel attract damage-controlling insects.
Companion planting is a technique that makes your garden or farm more productive through the presence of pest-controlling plants. In organizing the structure of the garden, it is advised to also consider companion planting as a way of minimizing the use of chemicals.
Annual crop rotation also avoids the buildup of squash bugs as they reproduce depending on the crop type grown in a particular field. Do not cultivate squash and these related crops in the same site in successive years to discourage pests from forming a breeding ground.
Interplant with other species to disrupt these pests and improve the health of the soil. Practice crop rotation in your garden, annually changing places where families of crops grew, to effectively combat low fertility and pests.
Placing a layer of mulch around the lower part of the plant offers protection that makes it difficult for these bugs to get in touch with the plants. Other types of mulches, such as straw or wood chips, can also enhance the soil structure and water management efficiently.
This will lessen the instances of squash bug infestation and also aid the plant through mulching. Also, mulching retains soil moisture, controls weed growth, and regulates soil temperatures; these are benefits for garden plants apart from pest control.
Squash bugs (Anasa tristis) are some of the most frequent visitors to plants belonging to the squash family, such as pumpkins, squashes, zucchinis, and cucumbers.
They are in the family Coreidae and are those types of bugs that have specialized mouth parts adapted for piercing and sucking. These flies are from North America and are easily recognizable by their looks and feeding preferences.
The adult squash bugs are approximately 12 to 15 mm in length. They have a flat oval-shaped body and they can be found to be brown or blackish brown. Along the edges of their bodies, they have colors like orange or rusty.
However, immatures or nymphs are much smaller in size and number and the color of the squash bugs can be greenish or grey at this stage.
Squash bugs are usually found from late spring through early summer. They are herbivores that suck on the plant fluids by puncturing the stems, leaves, and fruits of the host plants by their proboscis.
They usually congregate on plants; they can be often found under a leaf or piece of wood during the day time but at night or early morning they are very active.
Squash bugs mainly affect plants through their feeding habits and contaminating the plant tissues. Some of the damages caused by these bugs are as follows:
Squash bugs have mouthparts with which they penetrate the plant tissue and suck the sap. This feeding activity disorients the plant and may cause wilting, yellowing, and finally the death of leaves, stems, and fruits. Plants may exhibit wilting or stunted growth as a result of the damage.
Squash bugs can also be a means of transmission of several plant diseases, including bacterial wilt. When they feed, they inject pathogens into the plant tissues that get translocated throughout the plant via the vascular system, thereby reducing the health and output of the plant.
However, squash bugs are not only destructive to the plant but can also cause direct harm to the fruit. They can attack fresh fruit that is still developing and can distort it or make it inedible. This can lower the quality and quantity of the produce greatly which leads to a poor harvest.
Squash bugs are most abundant during the period in the summer when their breeding is also at its highest. These pests also reproduce fast; there are several generations within a single season of vegetative growth. It can become a continuous activity that results in overall wear and tear on the plants if not addressed.
