Stop Them from Ruining your Harvest!There are many pests that torment gardens, but squash vine borers (scientific name: Melitta curcurbitae) may be one of the trickiest to detect. They are a species of moth, yet resemble a wasp, and often attack various squash and gourd species. What makes them so elusive is that they lay their eggs at the base of plants before the summer and the larvae hatch and inhabit the inner stem of the plant. Slowly, they eat away at the inner stem and block the flow of water from entering the plant. Damage to the plant usually is undetectable until it begins to wilt during the summer season, at which point it is too late to save it. SO, what can be done to prevent these pesky critters without using harsh insecticides? A couple actions can be taken to prevent your crops from being devastated by these pests:
Detecting squash borers in early June is key; you have to put an end to the squash borers over-running your plants before their lives even begin. This can be done by physically watching and removing them, but that is obviously tedious and time-consuming. An alternative is to fill a yellow dish, pan, bowl, etc. with water (Try not to spill it like I did) and place it near your garden. Because squash borers are attracted to the color yellow, they will try to get a closer look, and end up getting stuck in the water. Sources:
1. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/caterpillars/squash-vine-borer.aspx 2. https://muddyfingersmeg.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/insects/ 3. http://insects.about.com/od/insectpests/ig/12-Worst-Veggie-Garden-Pests/Squash-Vine-Borer.htm 4. http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/squash-vine-borers/ 5. https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef314
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