squash bugs - Ask Extension
After 2 years of fighting squash bugs unsuccessfully with Neem oil, i understand i need to not grow any squash this year. How many years should i not ...
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squash bugs #865116
Asked April 19, 2024, 12:16 PM EDT
After 2 years of fighting squash bugs unsuccessfully with Neem oil, i understand i need to not grow any squash this year. How many years should i not grow squash? Any chance this winter's freezing weather killed them? I know i have a lot less snails this year.
thanks for any guidance!
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi and thanks for your question about growing squash with our new invasive infestation of squash bugs. I too lost all my squash for the last two years and am debating what to do this year. Last year I hand picked the bugs and eggs all summer and still didn't get anything. We have flamed the mulch laid over the bed this year, but I'm guessing they will move in from other areas.
Since this is a relatively new pest, there is no guideline on how many years you can't grow squash. They seem to be everywhere, so I'm not sure they won't come back no matter how long you wait. The attached article gives some ideas of other chemicals to try. I think I'm going to try kaolin clay and maybe pyrethrins. None of the other chemicals listed are organic. Follow the directions very carefully whatever you choose.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/pumpkin-squash-squash-bug
We did try feeding the collected ones to the chickens, and even they won't eat them! Sorry it's not better news.
Since this is a relatively new pest, there is no guideline on how many years you can't grow squash. They seem to be everywhere, so I'm not sure they won't come back no matter how long you wait. The attached article gives some ideas of other chemicals to try. I think I'm going to try kaolin clay and maybe pyrethrins. None of the other chemicals listed are organic. Follow the directions very carefully whatever you choose.
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/vegetable/vegetable-pests/hosts-pests/pumpkin-squash-squash-bug
We did try feeding the collected ones to the chickens, and even they won't eat them! Sorry it's not better news.