Squash bugs are very similar to stink bugs, but are slightly thinner and shorter (ie. stink bugs are more round). They are roughly an inch in length and are known as shield bugs.
Squash bugs will attack practically all summer and winter squash varieties, though they favor certain types of squash and pumpkins over others.
Once squash bugs have invaded your garden, they are a pain to get rid of. Walking out to your garden and seeing your gorgeous squash plants wilting and on the ground can be a depressing sight.
So, the question is, what’s the best way to naturally eliminate squash bugs from your garden?
1. Pick out the bugs and eggs by hand
The best defense against squash bugs has always been and will always be this. Doing it yourself is the most effective method for eliminating squash bugs.
Mornings and evenings are the best times to go through your plants, take off any adult bugs you discover, and drop them into the soapy water.
The adults of squash bugs can typically be discovered on the undersides of the leaves, particularly the lower leaves that are touching the ground.
On the undersides of the leaves, in neat rows, you will find eggs of bright golden color. These eggs should also be scratched off and discarded.
Avoid damaging the leaves as much as possible. Squish them, brush them into your soapy water, or peel them off with really sticky tape. This is an ongoing task, and your squash plants will die if you neglect them.
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