From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Finksburg, Md

What is the best insectacide to use to eliminate or prevent squash bugs. ( Info I need for next year ) Joe Z.

7/17/2010 7:40:53 AM

Rapid City, SD

interesting............but.......just curious here......you have a computer that has the information you are asking for....i found the answer is less than 10 seconds.............give it a shot...........grow em BIG!.....and bug free.......lol........good luck

7/17/2010 11:38:13 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

Matt??? There is a reason this is called the "new growers forum". It would be useless unless questions were asked.

Joe, I like Sevin, but you have to be careful with when and how you apply or else you can hurt bees and other beneficial insects.

7/17/2010 12:16:23 PM

Minnesota

I use malathion for squash vine borers (svb's) I don't think Sevin does anything to svb's. Put squash vine borers (or something just like it) in the site search box on the top of this page, something will come up.

7/17/2010 1:42:12 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

We mostly rely on generic Talstar or bifenthrin. Warrior Z for those with a license but you can also buy Suspend SC online without a license. Home Cheapo has Triazicide that will also get the job done.

I am not a fan of Sevin as it kills beneficial insects that keep mites under control. It also kills earthworms.

7/17/2010 1:49:01 PM

Middle TN

I had a HUGE battle with squash bugs last season, I was using sevin, I swear they snacked on it and rang the dinner bell when they saw me coming with it! LOL
This year Im using Cyonara 9.7 and havent had any problems with them at all *knock on wood* Ive only seen 3-4 all season.

http://www.domyownpestcontrol.com/cyonara-97-p-428.html

7/17/2010 4:36:23 PM

Finksburg, Md

Thanks for everyones help I just thought if I asked the question here, most everyone has been very helpful and I was relying on everyones experience. Thanks again Luke, Richard, Tremor and Tammy. I appreciate your time helpfulness. Joe Z.

7/17/2010 5:10:19 PM

Upa Creek, Mo

LOL at myself. I always like new input from other growers and have taken note. I have had problems with the Squash Vine Borer but not the Squash Bug. Thanks also to everyone from another rookie, I already have a whole new agenda mapped out for next year.

Luke

7/17/2010 11:20:45 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

matt - man...maybe a little niceness to the new, question asking folks would upgrade yer Karma a lil? At the very least explain how you did yer 10 second search to find the answer...that would be a big help to all on the "New" Growers Forum!!! Grow em BIG!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...Serious
PPS...not all are computer wizards!!!

7/20/2010 12:51:04 AM

Charlotte, NC

I assume that you are removing them as you see them as well. I had my squash bug problem early in the season. I had no idea what they were until I googled them and then came here for further info.
Here's a pic I snapped of all three life cycles under one leaf:

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=138146

And another with some freshly hatched nymphs.
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=138149

I would remove any leaves they were congregating on, while they were congregating on it. Leaf on ground, foot stomp on leaf...they don't call 'em squash bugs for nothing.

Also removal of the eggs before they hatch is advantageous. Rub 'em off the leaves.

7/20/2010 7:40:20 AM

Mercersburg, PA

tremor--with Bifenthrin (i have brigade 2ec), is there any risk to the beneficials and worms with it? what about Malathion? I was unaware that Sevin would do that. Also, what is the preferred chemical for edible squash?

matt-man, i think you could have typed the answer in less than 10 seconds as well.

7/20/2010 9:15:03 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

matt - man, still waiting for your 10 second solution??? Serious, I am wanting to learn how you did this is 10 seconds!!! Wanting to learn how!!! Peace, Wayne

7/21/2010 12:41:26 AM

Lexington, Ky

No way should you remove a leaf that has bugs congregating on it, that's just plain dumb.

When you rub the eggs off of the leaf, take the eggs with you, get them out of the patch. Flush them, smash them...

7/21/2010 11:34:43 AM

Middle TN

so squash bug eggs can hatch even off the leaf? uh oh I think I made a boo boo.

7/21/2010 11:53:55 AM

Navarre,OH

I take a white styrofoam cup out with me if I find eggs. I scrape em into the cup, take them inside, turn the water on as hot as it goes and give em a nice hot bath. haha

7/21/2010 6:28:04 PM

Middle TN

good tip Billium, thank you

7/21/2010 8:53:07 PM

Finksburg, Md

Thanks everybody for the great tips and support. Joe Z.

7/22/2010 6:15:40 PM

Conway, NH

I've had great luck this year by simply scratching the eggs off the leaves. I don't collect the eggs but I have watched ants scramble to pick them up. I start as early in the season as they do, to keep up with them. Knock the adults into a coffee can of soapy water- they sink like stones, and it's real satisfying, for me anyway, to get 'em when they're mating. 2 for the price of 1 plus untold millions never to be born! Have not touched Sevin this year and the plants are incredibly healthy- lots of predators eating the baby-bugs!

7/24/2010 3:22:14 PM

Smithville, Tn

Kinda neat to watch the little nymphs hatch from the eggs. Wait till the all hatch and then I give them a little squirt of Permethrin and then they don't move any more.

7/25/2010 12:26:23 AM

Middle TN

now thats my kind of twisted! LOL

7/25/2010 10:42:24 PM