Both squash bugs and squash vine borers can quickly cause cucurbit vines to wilt and die.

It is too late in the season for any cucurbits except summer squash. They can be planted until about August 1st.

Squash vine borer can only be controlled when the plants are young by applying an appropriate insecticide on the young plant to prevent the young borer from infesting the developing vines. Many insecticides are labeled for these insects including sevin.

Squash bug and squash vine borer:

https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/files/efpdf2/ef314.pdf

If the squash bug has infected the plants with yellow vine decline, they should be removed. This is a disease that infects the plant. More information on the squash bug and the disease it carries is here:

https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/ext_files/PPFShtml/PPFS-VG-12.pdf

https://www.uky.edu/Ag/IPM/picturesheets/cucurbitinsects.pdf

Please read and follow all label instructions before applying any pesticides.

Feel free to contact our office if you have other questions.

Let me know if I can help you further!


Carol Wilder
Horticulture Technician
Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service
502-569-2344
810 Barret Ave
Louisville KY 40204