I've been struggling with squash borers and squash bugs that have been ruining my squash plants for three years now. I'm looking for natural solutions that don't involve poison. I've already tried using neem oil and BT, but they haven't worked for me. I'm located in South Central Texas, so any advice specific to my area would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
Next year, I plan to introduce some praying mantis to the garden. They're great natural predators and might help keep those pests at bay!
One technique that works for squash vine borers is to bury the branch at a node under some soil every foot or two as it grows. This can help the plant develop additional roots, which could keep it alive even if the borers attack. They often target the thicker parts, so this might save your plants!
I've heard that BT is effective when the borers are young, but there are other methods too! Planting garlic around your squash can help since insects typically avoid garlic. It might be a good companion plant for you!
I've wrapped stretchy vet tape around the bottom 5 inches of my squash stems, and it has helped keep the borers away. It's worth a shot if you're looking for a non-chemical method!
For a hands-on approach, I actually use surgical pliers to reach into the frass holes and pull the borers out. It’s a bit gross, but it works! You might want to try that if you're up for it.
That sounds really interesting! I’ll definitely give that a try.