Garden pest control - Ask Extension
I had a terrible time with squash bugs last year. What can I do to prevent them this year without harming the bees and other beneficial insects? Becau...
Knowledgebase
Garden pest control #893572
Asked March 04, 2025, 9:42 AM EST
I had a terrible time with squash bugs last year. What can I do to prevent them this year without harming the bees and other beneficial insects? Because of my work schedule, hand picking on a daily basis is not possible. Please help!
Caroline County Maryland
Expert Response
We can help.
Squash bugs overwinter as adults under plant debris, soil clods, rocks, log piles, and the like, so garden clean-up and removal of debris is a good start if you've not done that already.
Here is our page on squash bugs which includes a variety of ways to prevent and control them, including floating row covers:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/squash-bug-vegetables/
And here is our page on summer squash, with lots of great information on how to grow and care for them, as well as how to deal with other common pests and diseases you might encounter:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-summer-squash-zucchini-home-garden/
Christine
Squash bugs overwinter as adults under plant debris, soil clods, rocks, log piles, and the like, so garden clean-up and removal of debris is a good start if you've not done that already.
Here is our page on squash bugs which includes a variety of ways to prevent and control them, including floating row covers:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/squash-bug-vegetables/
And here is our page on summer squash, with lots of great information on how to grow and care for them, as well as how to deal with other common pests and diseases you might encounter:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/growing-summer-squash-zucchini-home-garden/
Christine
