Squash Vine Borer
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Squash Vine Borer  Squash vine borer eggs are about the size of a pencil point, brown and flattened. Larvae have a brown head, white body and are rarely found outside of the vine. The larvae have 8 pairs of appendages from their body. The first 3 pairs are true legs, the second 5 pair are prolegs or extensions from the body wall. Each proleg has 2 rows of curved spines. Pupae are about 3/4in (2 cm) long, silk lined, black and usually found in the soil. The adult squash borer may be mistaken for a wasp. The front wings are a metallic green and the rear wings are transparent with black or brown margins and veins. Wingspan is approximately 1-1/2in( 2.5 - 4 cm). The body is orange and black, often in a ringed pattern surrounding the abdomen. Susceptible Plants- The squash vine borer, Melittia satyriniformis,is a significant pest of squash and pumpkin and a lesser pest of cucurbitaceae, gourds and melons. The squash borer usually occurs in low numbers although their presence is usually not noticed until after damage is done  Symptoms- The squash vine borer injures plants by tunneling through their stem, which interferes with nutrient transfer in the plant. Borer feeding weakens plants providing the opportunity for secondary infection. Plants damaged by the squash vine borer will wilt. Examination often reveals shiny green-to yellow colored frass within the stem. Often frass will protrude from any damaged areas of the stem. If vine senescence occurs early, the squash vine borer may tunnel into the fruit..Prevention and Control- Early in the growing season cover vines with row cover or mesh, uncover later for pollination. To save attacked vines slit infested stems and remove the borers, then heap soil over the vines to induce rooting. "Wing Trap Kit for Squash Vine Borer, melittia cucurbitae" is the first step in a series of steps whose goal is to provide a system of information that allows the grower to manage insect problems with a minimum of input. Biological Control- Beneficial Nematodes - H. bacteriophora Pesticide Spray- If squash vine borers have become a serious problem, as a last resort spray the base of susceptible plants with Monterey Garden Insect Spray Another good organic product is Bioneem Insecticide Concentrate
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