Squash Vine Borer
Melittia cucurbitae
moderate risk
insect
Overview
Devastating pest of squash and zucchini. Larvae bore inside vines causing sudden plant collapse.
Adult moth resembles a wasp - olive green wings, red-orange abdomen with black spots. Larvae cream-colored, up to 25mm.
Prevention Strategies
- •Row covers until plants flower
- •Wrap vine bases with foil
- •Plant summer squash early to avoid peak flight
- •Rotate crops annually
Control Methods
- •Inject Bt into vines with syringe
- •Cut out larvae from stem and bury wound in soil
- •Kaolin clay on vine bases
- •Pyrethrin spray at vine bases when eggs hatching
Interesting Facts
- •Mimics a wasp to deter predators but is harmless
- •One of the most frustrating vegetable garden pests
- •Plants can sometimes recover if larvae removed early
- •Frass at vine base is often the first sign of infestation