Cantaloupe, Melons: Squash bug
categories: Cantaloupe, Melons Cantaloupe, Melons Insects Vegetables
revision date: 2023-04-04 12:00
Photo by: Unknown
Biology
The squash bug attacks squash, pumpkin, melons, and related crops. Adults are typically dark brown, but may have gray or light brown markings. They are about 3/4″ long at maturity. Brown to reddish eggs are laid along the veins of new leaves. The newly hatched nymphs (immature bugs) are greenish to gray. Squash bug nymphs and adults feed on the leaves, causing small yellow specks which later turn brown. Squash bugs also inject a toxin into vines which can cause a wilt from the point of attack to the end of the vine. Affected runners wilt and turn black and crisp. Small plants may be killed, while larger plants may lose several runners. Squash bugs may also attack young fruit. Adult squash bugs overwinter in debris and sheltered places in the garden.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Hand-pick and destroy eggs, nymphs, and adults.
- Clean up debris in the fall to remove hiding places for overwintering squash bugs.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Esfenvalerate and permethrin products are toxic to bees.
- Do not apply any of the products listed on or near blooming plants.
- To minimize risk to bees, apply in the evening after bees have stopped foraging for the day.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.