SQUASH BUG
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT Monitoring Scout cucurbit plants 1× week; look for adults at the plant base and egg clusters on the undersides of foliage. Overwintered adults will appear early in the season. Identify adult and nymph feeding (piercing-sucking mouthparts) on leaves, vines, and fruit. High populations can cause plant wilting.
Adult 12-20 mm
Nymph Stages 2-12 mm
Eggs <2 mm
Identification
Management Sanitation: Minimize overwintering adult populations by removing or tilling cucurbit debris, including vines and fruits, after harvest. Clear woodpiles, plastic mulch, and other ground cover near fields where insects may seek winter shelter.
Resistance: Plant tolerant cucurbit species, such as butternut and 'Royal Acorn'; moderately resistant varieties include 'Sweet Cheese' and 'Green Striped Cushaw'. 'Pink Banana' squash and 'Black Beauty' zucchini are moderately susceptible, while yellow squash, 'Hubbard', and pumpkins are highly susceptible.
Hand removal: Regularly pick adults and nymphs, and remove egg clusters to reduce populations. Eggs can be cut out, stuck to duct tape, or smothered with oil or petroleum jelly. Early, frequent removal is most effective.
extension.usu.edu/planthealth