---

The cool wet spring slowed the growth of vine plants such as cucumbers, squash, and melons, however, hot weather should have them catch up in a hurry. As we look forward to harvesting plants, we must be on the lookout for insects that go with them.

As cucumbers and squash mature they attract the striped and spotted cucumber beetles. These small yellow and black beetles tend to go after squash early in the season, especially when they are in the seedling stage. One would think that the wilting of the vines, sometimes overnight, would be caused by the sucking of the juice by the beetles. This is not true. In fact, the beetles spread a bacterial wilt through the patch that can literally destroy the complete stand. If you see a few beetles early in the season they may be controlled. If you are losing control and you need to use a chemical, be sure the chemical is recommended for cucumber beetles and follow the directions on the label.

The squash vine borer is a clearwing moth that is a serious pest of vine crops, especially squash and pumpkin. The adult borer is often mistaken for a wasp and has an orange and black striped abdomen and metallic green clear wings. Beginning in late June or early July the borer lays flat brown eggs one at a time at the base of plants. About a week later the hatched larvae bore into the stem of the plant to feed. The white or cream colored caterpillars with brown heads feed through the center of the stem blocking the flow of water to the rest of the plant, thus the wilting.

Squash vine borers are difficult to prevent or control. Planting resistant varieties, such as Waltham butternut squash, and a second planting of summer squash early in July will mature after the adult borers have finished laying eggs for the year. A chemical treatment at the base of the plants may help control the borer.

I think the most dangerous pest to vine crops is the squash bug. They are about an inch long, dark brown, have long flattened legs, and lay masses of yellowish orange eggs on the undersides of leaves. It is only in the last few years that gardeners have shared with me how devastating this bug is. One gardener shared that these bugs ate her squash patch as she looked on. I suggest you use the same insecticide as you would with the vine borer and the cucumber beetle. The difference may be that you need to keep spraying for the squash bug so you are sure they are under control.

---