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  • Organic Pesticide for Squash Bugs

    Created by Gail on July 7, 2016 at 10:14 am

    Could you recomend an organic solution to my squash bug infestation? I looked at a couple of your pesticides but nothing specifically mentions squash bugs, Thank-you!

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  • July 7, 2016 at 12:54 pm #203955

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hi Gail –

    Found throughout much of the United States squash bugs can be a destructive garden pest and are often found en-mass on leaves, vines and fruits of pumpkins, cucumbers and winter squash. To manage squash bugs organically we recommend the following solutions:

    • Inspect plants frequently, and If numbers are low, hand-pick all stages from the undersides of leaves.
    • Place boards near garden plants. Used as a nighttime shelter, they make excellent traps for morning collecting.
    • Row covers can be left on plants until they are old enough to tolerate some damage.
    • Diatomaceous earth can be dusted over plants to reduce pest numbers.
    • If pest numbers get too high, apply Tomato & Vegetable Insect Killer or Pyganic EC 1.4 to crops. Both are OMRI Listed for use in organic production and should be spot sprayed to minimize harm to beneficial insects.
    • Clean up gardens shortly after harvest to minimize overwintering sites.

    Hope this helps!

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