[ Post a Response | Close Window | Print ]

squash bugs
Posted by cat1 at 2014-08-31 23:17:48
how do i get rid of them squash bugs does not have to be organic thanks for the help
Response by CIW at 2014-09-01 12:21:00
Put about a 1/4 cup of degreasing dish soap (I use Dawn brand)in a clean pressurized sprayer (5 gal. size) and fill with water.
Spray all over the plant. Concentrating on the under side of the leaves and the apex of the plants base.
It works best if you start before you think that you see any bugs or wilting of the plants.
Repeat twice a week and after each rain or watering.
It takes 2 years to really get a good handle on them when you start this late in the year. Start early the next year and they will be almost nonexistant.
Spraying will kill not only the bugs abut the eggs that they lay on the bottom of the leaves if sprayed.
Another thing is to liberally spread Diatomatious Earth around the base of the plant after you have weeded. It gets on the insects legs when they walk though it. They ingest it when they lick their legs. If you look at DE under a microscope it looks jagged like glass. It cuts the inside of them to the point that they die.
I've been using these methods for many years with great results. I don't have to spray very often any more. It you have neighbors close, its best to get them involved also.
Make sure that you remove any dead foliage from the garden. Burn it or get it off the place. That is where they lay dormant eggs for next year. Although they don't seem to bother the tomatoes, they do like to lay eggs on them. I spray most of my plants.
Response by Klaus Karbaumer at 2014-09-02 10:59:47
The most effective way to fight the squash bugs in my experience is a)to practice crop rotation and b) to try to grow outside of the typical squash bug life cycle. Here in Missouri that means to have a good stand of zucchini or squash before mid-June, since healthy plants have a better chance to survive the attacks , or to sow them late in August and hope for no frost during the next 6 -8 weeks.

Post a Response:
1) Enter your name and response.
2) Click "Send" to post your response on the Front Porch bulletin board.
3) Your response will be reviewed for appropriateness before being posted for public view.

Name:
Response:
     
[ Close Window | Print ]

Subscribe Homepage Contact Us
rural heritage logo    PO Box 2067, Cedar Rapids IA 52406-2067
E-Mail: