Squash Bugs
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Squash Bug  Squash bug adults are brownish black, flat backed, ½ in. (1-cm). Squash bugs are covered with fine dark hairs and give off an unpleasant smell in defense. Unmated adults overwinter in garden litter, vines, or boards to emerge, mate and lay shiny yellow to brown eggs in groups on undersides of leaves in spring. The nymph squash bugs are whitish green or gray, similar in shape to adults, with a darker thorax, and abdomen as they mature; they are covered with a grainy white powder. Nymphs take all summer to develop, molting five times before maturing. Susceptible Plants- cucurbit crops, and winter squash are most affected. Symptoms- Both adult and nymph squash bugs suck plant juices, causing leaves and shoots to blacken and die back. Attacked plants fail to produce fruit. Prevention and Control- Maintain vigorous plant growth. Handpick all stages of this pest from the undersides of leaves. Support vines off the ground on trellises. Attract native parasitic flies with pollen and nectar plants. Cover plants with row cover or mesh. If mesh cover is used the plants must be hand pollinated. Remove and destroy vines and discarded fruit after harvest to eliminate overwintering sites. Early detection of squash bugs is very important, as they are difficult to control and can cause considerable damage The squash bug is secretive in its habits. Adults and nymphs may be found clustered about the crown of the plant, beneath damaged leaves, and under clods or any other protective ground cover. They scamper for cover when disturbed. The secretive nature of squash bugs can be used to your advantage in controlling these pests. Place a small, square piece of old shingle or heavy cardboard under each squash plant. As bugs congregate under it for protection, simply lift the trap and smash them with your hoe (or shoe). Other control methods include early planting and removing squash bug eggs and nymphs by hand. Biological Control- Ladybug Beetles: Hippodamia convergens, Green Lacewing Eggs., Praying Mantis
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