So yeah, last year was fun! (dripping with sarcasm, if you can't tell) My daddy and I battled the squash bugs in our watermelons, pumpkins, cucumbers and, obviously, squash. What I was wondering, would it help if I separated the plants? Or would it just mean more walking distance to spray the organic pest stuff on the leaves? Like plant the corn between each melon plant, etc. It was just a thought, I have a feeling it doesn't matter, the bugs are gonna find 'em no matter what, but because I'm a newbie I figured I'd ask before throwing it out the window. :)
Thanks y'all.
Emily
Try the following:
* Remove or knock off and kill nymphs and adults by dropping them into a pail of soapy water. This is particularly effective if only a few plants are affected. This can be challenging because squash bugs hide under leaves and move quickly when disturbed.
* Crush eggs that are attached to the undersides and stems of leaves.
* Trap squash bugs by laying out boards or pieces of newspaper. Squash bugs will congregate under the boards at night, and then can be collected and destroyed in the morning.
* Remove plant debris around the garden during the growing season to reduce the potential harborages where squash bugs may hide. Clean up cucurbits and other plant matter around the garden in the fall to reduce the number of overwintering sites.
You can also try spraying them with soapy water or
insecticidle soap.
Thank you, I'll have those saved for this summer.
I think I'll experiment this year with placement. :)
God Bless!
Emily
