You are getting into trouble with squash bugs. It is so disappointing when walking out to your garden and finds your beautiful squash plants wilted on the ground. All those dreams of a big squash crop this year are gone by the attack of harmful insects. Don’t worry, in the article today, we will introduce 6 ways to get rid of squash bugs in your garden as well as prevent them from taking over your garden. Let’s spend your time checking them out with us. to save your results as soon as possible.
These methods are not only simple but also effective and so safe. If you don’t like to use chemicals for your garden, these ways are great to uses. Just apply these ways to your garden, we believe that they will bring good results that keep you amazed. Now, it’s time to save and use them to recover your garden problems soon as possible.
#1 Hand Pick Off The Bugs and Eggs
Bug picking is best done in the morning or evening- simply go through your plants and pick off any adult bugs to find and drop them into the soapy water.
#2 Growing Companion Plant
You can grow plants to control squash bugs. Two of the most common plants that repel squash bugs are nasturtiums and white icicle radishes. Plant them throughout your squash beds for the best results. Other plants such as oregano, marigold, calendula, and dill can also provide some protection and deter squash bugs in your garden.
#3 Attract Beneficial Insect
Certain insects are very beneficial to fight pests. One such insect is the Tachinid Fly or Trichopoda pennipes. The female fly lays her eggs on the adult squash bugs and they will hatch and burrow into the host to feed, killing it. If you grow companion plants that are dill or calendula with your squash plants their pollen and nectar-rich flowers will help to attract the Tachinid Fly.
#4 Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is a powder made from the ground up diatoms. It works to make microscopic cuts in the exoskeleton of insects- drying them out. Simply spread a layer of diatomaceous earth at the base of the plant. It doesn’t work once it gets wet, so you will have to reapply as necessary.
#5 Watch Your Mulch
Squash bugs love to hide under the mulch around your plants and it provides the insects with a protective cover. If you must mulch, do not put it right up against the base of the plant, or try something like plastic sheet mulching instead.
#6 Over-plant Your Squash
You can also try planting varieties, such as butternut squash, that are not favorites of the squash bugs. This is another form of companion planting that includes using trap crops. Trap crops are sacrificial plants that are favored by a particular pest and are drawn to them instead. Then you can remove the infected plants or destroy the pests.