social

Grey Bugs on Gourds and Squash?

Question:

What are the little grey bugs all over my gourds and squash and the vines? My plants seem to be dyeing because of these bugs.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Advertisement

Candace from Charlotte, MI

Answer:

Candice,

Does this look like your bug?


Source: University of Illinois

If so, you're dealing with Squash bugs. In both the adult and the nymph form, these insects suck the plant's juices, which causes the leaves and young shoots to turn black and die. The symptoms are similar to those of a wilt disease, and if infestations are severe the plant will fail to produce or die altogether.

You can protect your plants by covering them with floating row covers (you'll need to hand pollinate) or by setting out boards or shingles on the ground near your plants in early summer to trap and remove the bugs by hand.

Another strategy is to plant disease resistant plants that are bred to better withstand attacks. Some resistant cultivars include 'Butternut', 'Early Golden Bush Scallop', 'Early Summer Crookneck', 'Table Queen', 'Improved Green Hubbard', and 'Royal Acorn' among others. Ask you county extension agent for resistant varieties in your area.

Advertisement

Ellen

About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!

 
September 3, 20060 found this helpful

Check out this site: www.oznet.k-state.edu/.../ksht0127.htm and scroll down to "Squash Bugs" at the bottom. There are several other pages on a Google Search that look promising.

Advertisement

I hope you can get rid of these bugs! They look icky.

 
November 24, 20070 found this helpful

This is great for squash but what about the gourds. Are there varities to plant that will withstad these little creepers?

 

Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!

 
Categories
Home and Garden Gardening Pest ControlSeptember 2, 2006
Pages
More
💘
Valentine's Ideas!
🎂
Birthday Ideas!
🍀
St. Patrick's Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2024-01-25 10:34:55 in 4 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2024 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26844402.tip.html