How to Get Rid of Squash Worms?

Evelyn Johnson

By Evelyn Johnson

02 Jan. 2025

8 min read

How to Get Rid of Squash Worms?
Photo: @harlowe_custom_microgreens

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    Squash vine borers are a major issue for nursery workers who develop squash, zucchini, or pumpkins. They can rapidly crush healthy plants, making them collapse and die overnight. The squash vine borer is the hatchling of a little orange and dark moth, which lays its eggs close to the base of squash plants. Once these eggs are brought forth, the hatchlings burrow into the stems of the plant and start bolstering, killing the plant from the interior. Since they stow away inside the vine, they are difficult to spot until the harm is done.

    How to Recognize the Issue?

    You might take note that your squash plants, which appeared impeccably healthy one day, have abruptly begun to shrink the following. Typically, a common sign of a squash vine borer pervasion. If you look closely at the base of the plant and close the soil line, you'll see little gaps and a sawdust-like substance called frass. This is often the squander the hatchlings thrust out as they burrow into the plant.

    If left untreated, the squash vine borer can kill the whole plant very quickly. The plant will begin to wilt at the hottest part of the day, and soon after, the whole plant will die. It's vital to take action as soon as you spot this issue since the longer the hatchlings get nourished in the vine, the more harm they can do.

    Why Are Squash Vine Borers So Despised?

    Squash vine borers are very annoying since they are hard to control without utilizing pesticides. Each moth can lay hundreds of eggs in a single season, making it difficult to keep up with hand-picking them off the plants. Furthermore, the eggs are minor and seem comparable to the eggs of another common squash bother, the squash bug. This makes it indeed harder to anticipate the issue before it begins.

    There are a few natural strategies for getting rid of squash vine borers, but numerous of them require a part of time and effort. For example, a few nursery workers suggest wrapping the base of the plant in aluminum foil or using push covers to prevent the moths from laying eggs. Others recommend making a slit within the vine to expel the hatchlings and, after that, covering the wound with soil to empower modern roots to develop. These strategies can work, but they require tolerance and cautious consideration.

    Organic Solutions and Considerations

    A common biological solution is Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, a naturally occurring bacteria that kills larvae. However, it must be applied carefully and at the right time to be effective. Row covers can also help keep adult butterflies away from the plants, but this can be a hassle since you have to remove the covers when it's time for pollinators to do their job.

    Another method is to cover the plants with a tarp or wrap the lower stems of the plants with foil to keep the larvae out. You can also inject beneficial nematodes into the stems of the plants to kill the larvae inside. While all of these methods can be effective to some extent, they often require more effort and expertise than the average home gardener has. It can be quite frustrating to put in so much effort only to have a low success rate.

    One strategy for managing active borers is to carefully cut an opening within the vine where you see the frass. At that point, utilize a cut to expel the worm. After some time, cover the wound with soil to energize unused roots to develop. You'll moreover infuse Bt or nematodes into the vine to kill any remaining hatchlings.

    The Simplest Solution: Change Your Squash Planting Time

    Squash plant
    Photo: @wesowwegrow

    One of the simplest and most effective ways to control squash borers is to change your squash planting time. These pests are most active during the warm weather, usually around mid-May to June, depending on your area. If you wait to plant squash until the moths have laid their eggs for the season, you can avoid the problem altogether.

    In colder northern climates, there is usually only one generation of squash borer every year. This means that if you plant squash in early July, you can still have a good harvest without worrying about these worms. In warmer southern climates, there may be two generations of squash borer, so it is best to wait until early August to plant.

    Make sure to choose quick-maturing varieties, such as summer squash or  Black Beauty zucchini, to ensure your plants have time to grow and produce fruit before the first frost. Additionally, using grafted plants instead of starting from seed can help maximize the growing time.

    Signs to Look for to Prevent Squash Moth Infestations

    It is important to check your plants regularly for signs of problems. Look for moths flying around your plants from mid-May to mid-June. Check the base of the vine for small holes or droppings. If you notice sudden wilting of the vine, especially during the heat of the day, take immediate action. After you catch the problem early, you have a chance of saving the plant.

    How to Prevent Future Attacks

    There are some steps you can take to avoid squash vine borers from assaulting your plants in the first place. One method is to plant early, utilizing transplants instead of seeds, to help your plants grow Before the borers have become active. Another choice is to wrap the base of the plant with aluminum foil or utilize a push cover to prevent the moths from laying eggs. You can sprinkle diatomaceous soil around the base of the plants or use a pyrethrin shower on the lower stems when the moths are flying.

    A few squash assortments are normally more safe for borers. For example, butternut squash, Tromboncino, and cushaw tend to be less influenced than zucchini or yellow crookneck squash. Planting these assortments can help reduce the risk of an invasion.

    Conclusion

    Squash vine borers are one of the most frustrating pests for cultivators, but with some information and a little hard work, you'll be able to secure your plants. Changing the timings of your squash plantation is one of the most effortless and compelling ways to avoid the problem. By waiting for the adult borers to lay their eggs, you can ensure a sound crop of squash without the need for pesticides or complicated natural cures.

    Carefully look after your plants, and take action quickly when you notice squash vine borers. With the correct timing and a couple of preventive measures, you'll be able to effectively develop squash, zucchini, and pumpkins without losing them to these damaging worms.

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