Squash bugs are one of the worst pests that you can find in your garden. These pests are often found feeding not only on your pumpkin but also on your winter squash, summer squash, and cucumbers.
These squash bugs are a huge, destructive pest in a vegetable garden. They can even destroy your entire squash crop. But don’t worry, they can be easily killed off using organic pest control methods.
If you’re overrun by these pests in your garden, here are a few ways you can get rid of those nasty squash bugs naturally.
Get Rid of Squash Bugs Naturally
By Hand
If there are only a few plants affected, picking the squash bugs by hand from the plants is one of the easiest ways to get rid of them.
When picking them from the plants by hand, bring a bucket of soapy water with you to the garden, then drop any bugs, nymphs, or eggs you find in the water. Squash bug eggs are copper in color and oval. They usually lay them in a group all touching on the underside of the leaves.
Lay Boards Or Shingles
You can also lay boards or shingles on the ground, under the affected plants.
The squash bugs will shelter under these boards at night. Early in the morning, go to your garden, lift up the boards, then drop them all in a bucket of soapy water.
Soil Treatment
It’s easy to make natural sprays and treatments that will get rid of a squash bug infestation.
One of these is made by preparing a soil treatment with ingredients you can find in your kitchen.
Fill a large bowl with water, 1 garlic clove, and 1 onion. Let the mixture sit for a few hours. Then pour it at the base of the infected plant.
Homemade Spray
You can also make a homemade squash bug spray made from ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen. Here is an easy recipe you can make:
- In a spray bottle, pour a small amount of liquid Castile soap and fill the remainder of the bottle with water. Mix the solution until the soap is fully dissolved.
- Spray the affected plants with the soapy water mixture in the morning. Make sure to directly spray at the base of the plant as well as the undersides of the leaves, where these pests are often hiding.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide. Apply the product two to three times at an interval of seven to ten days or you can also make a neem oil solution.
Mix 3 to 5 tablespoons of cold-pressed neem oil with a gallon of water. Add a small amount of mild soap to the mixture. Spray this solution on the affected plant at least once a week.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth is a powder made from pounded diatoms. It quickly dries out any bugs, even the hard-to-kill squash bugs.
Simply spread a layer of Diatomaceous Earth at the base of your plants, where these pests are found. Remember that Diatomaceous Earth doesn’t work once it’s wet, so it’s important to reapply when necessary.
Having pests in your garden cannot be avoided. But instead of using commercial pesticides, which can also harm your plants, your family, and your pets, opt for natural ways to get rid of squash bugs.