What are Squash Vine Borers

Squash vine borers are a type of moth larvae that feed on the stems of squash plants, pumpkins, and other cucurbits. They can cause significant damage to the plants, leading to wilting and death. Adult squash vine borers lay their eggs at the base of the plant, and the larvae bore into the stem, where they feed and grow. I have even seen them lay their eggs on the stem of a plant if they couldn’t access the base of the plant. Squash vine borers are persistent. So, be on guard at all times. Infested plants may have sawdust-like material around the base, and the stem may have holes or be mushy. Controlling squash vine borers typically involves prevention methods, such as covering plants with row covers or using insecticides.

When are Squash Vine Borers Most Active

Squash vine borers are most active during the summer months, typically from June to August during the day. They lay their eggs on the stems of squash plants, and the larvae burrow into the stem, causing damage and eventually killing the plant. It’s important to monitor your squash plants regularly during this time and look for signs of infestation, such as wilting leaves or holes in the stem. If you do find evidence of squash vine borers, you should take immediate action to remove the larvae and prevent further damage to your plants.

Where Are Squash Vine Borers Located

Squash vine borers are typically found in the eastern half of the United States. They can be found in gardens, especially where squash, pumpkins, and gourds are grown. The adult borers are moths, but the larvae live inside the stems of these plants and can cause significant damage. It’s important to monitor your plants for signs of borers and take preventive measures to protect them.

Why are Squash Vine Borers Attracted to Squash

Besides being attracted to the color yellow, squash plants release chemicals that attract the adult borers, making them more likely to lay their eggs on the plant. Additionally, squash plants provide an ideal environment for the borers to lay their eggs and for the larvae to feed and develop, as the soft stem tissue is easy to penetrate and provides ample nutrients for the growing larvae.

Facts About the Squash Vine Borer

The squash vine borer is a type of moth native to North America. Its larvae bore into the stems of squash and related plants, causing wilting and death. They are great fliers. So, they travel long distances. The adult moth prefers to lay its eggs at the base of the plant in early summer. But I seen it lay eggs any where on the plant, including the flower petals. The hatched larvae feed on the plant’s internal tissues, eventually causing it to collapse. The squash vine borer is a common pest in home gardens and can be controlled with proper cultural practices such as crop rotation, removing infested plants, using row covers to prevent egg-laying and other methods. Another fyi, they are attracted to the color yellow.

16 Ways to Combat Squash Vine Borers

1. Use row covers: Cover your squash plants with row covers to prevent adult squash vine borers from laying their eggs on the plants.

2. Plant early: Plant your squash plants as early as possible to avoid the peak season of the squash vine borer.

3. Plant decoys or sacrificial plants to detect if they are out. This way you can know your next line of action.

4. If you live in a location that has warm temperatures the majority of the year, try planting later. Much later after the squash vine borers have completed laying their eggs.

5. Plant resistant varieties: Some squash varieties are more resistant to squash vine borers. Plant these varieties if possible.

6. Use insect repelling plants. They dislike smells such as basil, radishes, marigold, onion, catnip, and mint.

7. The natural predators of squash vine borers are songbirds. To attract songbirds, provide nesting areas like berry-producing shrubs, nest boxes, water in a bird bath, offer black oil sunflower seeds in bird feeder, and plant sunflowers.

8. Rotate crops: Do not plant squash in the same area for more than two years in a row to avoid buildup of squash vine borer populations.

9. Keep plants healthy: Maintain healthy plants by watering properly and fertilizing as needed to help them withstand squash vine borer damage.

10. Handpick eggs and larvae: Check your plants regularly and remove any eggs or larvae you find by hand.

11. Surgically remove the larvae. Look for the entrance. It appears to look like saw dust. Use a blade to cut the stem open and find a yellowish caterpillar-like worm.

12. Use beneficial nematodes: These microscopic worms prey on squash vine borer larvae in the soil.

13. Apply insecticides: Use insecticides targeted specifically at squash vine borers, being careful to follow all instructions and safety precautions.

14. Use pheromone traps: These traps attract and capture male squash vine borers, reducing the number of eggs laid on your plants.

15. Remove infested plants: If a plant is severely infested with squash vine borers, remove it and dispose of it properly to prevent further spread of the pest.

16. Remember, they are attracted to the color yellow. So, get a yellow dish and add soapy water. Then sit the dish near the plant.