Beware of Squash Bugs!

This post might seem a bit premature but it could affect your seed-starting or seedling-purchasing plans. That’s why I wanted to mention it now. This has to do with squash bugs.

They are horribly destructive insects that attack members of the Cucurbit family (cucumbers, melons, summer and winter squash).

While I’ve never had squash bugs in my garden, I know a few gardeners who have. What I often hear is that they’d never had any until they purchased seedlings. At that point, they are nearly impossible to get rid of.

Here is what the eggs and nymphs look like: (remember that you can click on photos in order to view much larger images)

My advice to you is to either start all of your Cucurbits from seed each year. If purchasing plants, closely inspect any seedlings you are interested in buying. That’s why I’m posting photos today, showing what the squash bug eggs and nymphs look like.

I hear from gardeners who have always started their squash from seed rather than purchasing seedlings. And yet they have still ended up with squash bugs. It’s possible they came from a neighbor’s garden.

In my “Organic Pest Control” guide (it’s under the “Guides” menu), I have a page devoted to squash bugs which contains information on their life cycle and some organic controls to try. Be sure to check it out if you have dealt with these dreadful bugs in the past!

I’m also the author of The Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook, which is all about bugs. And even more importantly, how to deal with the damaging ones by using organic methods. Please note that is my Amazon affiliate link. It will not impact the price you pay.