Squash Blossom Insect Problems

Squash Bugs

• The damage caused by squash bugs usually starts with the leaves of the plant. Bugs eat sap sucked from the leaf, and then the leaf begins to change from a healthy green color to black. Some curling of the leaves may occur as well. It is possible for the entire plant to be killed if squash bugs are left unchecked. An insecticide can get a squash bug infestation under control. In order for it to be most effective, however, it must be applied early on, ideally as soon as you start noticing damage.

Cucumber Beetles

• There are two types of cucumber beetles: spotted cucumber beetles and striped cucumber beetles. Both are equally problematic squash blossom pests. In appearance, both have a yellow-green shell that is either striped or spotted, depending on which is infesting your plants. Not only do these beetles eat squash blossoms, but they also eat fruits and leaves. Crop rotation will minimize the chances of cucumber beetle infestations. Once an infestation has occurred, you can use an insecticide such as carbaryl, imidacloprid or permethrin to regain control.

Pickleworms

• The pickleworm is a caterpillar that bores into almost all parts of squash plants, including fruits, stems, flower buds and squash blossoms. More often than not, pickleworms show a preference for the fruits of squash plants, but damage to blossoms or stems can be equally harmful. Affected fruit cannot be safely consumed, and damage to blossoms or any other parts may lead to the death of the plant. Most damage done to blossoms is caused by pickleworm larvae, which eat the blossoms. Pickleworm populations reach their height late in the summer, so the earlier you plant, the better your chances of avoiding them. Once an infestation occurs, you can only pick out affected plants and destroy them.

Squash Beetles

• Squash beetles have brown to golden colored shells with black spots. They eat parts of the squash plant, particularly the leaves. Though they do not necessarily have an affinity for eating blossoms, signs of squash beetle damage can be seen in the blossoms as well as the leaves, and even in just looking over your plants you may notice squash beetles crawling among blossoms. The insecticide carbaryl is usually quite effective in getting rid of squash beetles.