Getting Rid of Squash Bugs & Squash Vine Borers (IDENTIFYING, PREVENTION, and ORGANIC TREATMENT!!)

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I hope this video helps you identify these pesky little buggers! There have been some really awesome suggestions in the comments below so make sure to check them out! If you're interested to see what I planted in my garden this year, check out my June 2021 garden tour video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXrHqZqkjbikeZo Thanks for watching and happy gardening everyone!

[@sherrystacyrn589]

Wow, this video was excellent. This is my first time growing squash. Thanks!...You're an excellent teacher.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

@@sherrystacyrn589 Thank you so much! I guess my 3.5 years of tutoring Calc 1 in college paid off :)

[@sherrystacyrn589]

@@MasonDixonAcres :)

[@FREEFILMSALEX]

@@MasonDixonAcresThat's a lot of leaves to inspect for bug eggs!!!!! And that' a lot of work to check every single stem for vine borer danage!!!!

[@AcrosstheHedge]

I've watched several videos on squash vine borers and squash bugs, and this one had the most useful information! I could actually see what to look for. Thank you!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

So nice of you! Hopefully your plants don't have too much damage!

[@msherry5]

Agree! Thank you!

[@lynlalalala]

Ditto!! 💕 💕 💕

[@catherineg6861]

Omg you saved my vines! This whole time I thought I was battling squash bugs only. I’ve never dealt with vine borers before. Sure enough after doing surgery, they were in there. It was so disgusting. My tip: follow the wilt & pulp coming out along the vine as they were making their way. I screamed a couple of times and hope my neighbors didn’t hear. 😂 “omg this is disgusting. It’s so big!!” Now hopefully the vines will survive my dissections.

[@jennifervondeylen7362]

I've watched several videos on this topic. I have decided to rub a mix of hot sauce & Vaseline on stem until vine is large enough to wrap in aluminum foil. Pick eggs off early with the help of Duck tape, cut infected leaves off when mature, & inject BT if I see holes later. That's a lot of work!

[@Jim81501]

Using duct tape works great for squash bugs and their eggs (never had vine borers). The hairs of the underside of the leaves allows the duct tape to attach to the egg. Lifting the duct tape then removes the eggs with out damage to the plant. Duct tape is also good for removing both the adult bugs and the kids as once they are attached to the tape there is no escape.

[@cjpatterson4711]

First time seeing a vine borer. Did not know they are so small. Thank you for revealing those in real time.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Your welcome! I am glad I was able to catch the pesky bugs on camera in real time. Hopefully you won't deal with any in your garden!

[@sacreddreamalchemy]

This is SO helpful! Thank you for showing the details of how you found them in the stems. I am aware of how long it takes to create a video like this, so I wanted to thank you for this huge service to us fellow gardeners!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

You are so welcome! The videos can definitely take some time but we enjoy making them and sharing our passions. We hope to help others during their homesteading journey! Thanks so much for the feedback!

[@jessmcc8234]

My mom watches your videos and she said she had no idea that those little markings on the stem of the leaf was indicative of a vine borer! So THANK YOU!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad I was able to provide a tip to such an experienced gardener!! ☺️ -Elaina

[@jessmcc8234]

Mason Dixon Acres thank YOU Elaina! Keep it up, your videos are very informative ☺️

[@franklugo6928]

My wife had her soul broken because of these bugs and the devastation they brought several years ago. We are growing squash and zucchinis this year and I hope this video will help us fight these dam dirty bugs!

[@schadenfreude191]

I hate vine borers with a genocidal rage. Thank you for the info ❤

[@valerie4975]

SAME!!! I am trying some drastic things this year

[@MasonDixonAcres]

It can be really difficult to find where the vine borers are located because squash plants have so many vines and leaves. Last year I never even saw one moth on or near my plants.. go figure!

[@catherineg6861]

Mason Dixon Acres are they white moths? What color are they? I’ve seen white moths floating around and im constantly thinking “why do I feel like you’re not a friend for my garden?”

[@valerie4975]

@@catherineg6861 no. They are black and red.

[@lornamikkelson5690]

That white moth is seriously a menace to the garden

[@glennjonesnc673]

I know I’m repeating what everyone else is saying, but you need to hear it. This was the most informative video I’ve seen. I’ve watched a lot of videos on squash bugs. Yours is without question THE best. Thanks for taking the time to show what the tiny little vine borers look like. I was thinking much bigger. You guys are awesome.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks so much!! Glad you got some useful info from this!

[@karenlombardi8242]

Checking my precious squashes has become an obsession this season … I’m growing vertically in grow bags, checking leaves and stems twice a day - handpicking the bugs and surgically removing the borers. Neem oil does not work on eggs or the borers already in the plant. I keep a bucket of soap water nearby, so all the bugs get tossed in there. We will have a lovely bonfire at the end of season with the pruned and spent vegetation. Also, keep on the lookout for the SVB moth cocoons in your soil and chuck those into the fire as well … or the chicken yard 😉

[@yesiambetty]

This is so very helpful! Having always lived in Canada, gardening in the southern states has been a whole different ball game! When my whole squash crop died last year I was so frustrated, I had never seen anything like it before. Thanks for this, headed out to do surgery now!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Oh wow! Yeah i can imagine moving to a new area has its own gardening challenges. Hopefully this year you are able to save your plants! I plan to try some preventative methods this year so we will see how that goes!

[@naomiwilansky877]

Thank you! I learned much more about vine bores than I knew! I actually start looking for squash beetles much earlier than when the eggs get laid. Almost as soon as I plant, the beetles have wintered over and they start to appear. When I water, they crawl up the plant and are easier to see and put in the bottle of water.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I’ve noticed that too! Thanks for the tip!

[@kaylinklimple2167]

Thank you for the very detailed video. I have been hit hard with squash borers this year in Texas, and it is so frustrating to see the thriving squash plants deteriorate. Now that you have given good tips on how to remove the vine borers, hopefully future squash plants will successfully live and have fruit. Thanks a million. Definitely a like! 👏⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad that this video helped you identify the bugs for the future! I'm pretty sure I saw vine borer moth today so I'll be checking my plants closely tonight!

[@ccoody1]

What an excellent video. We have been dealing with this for 2 years now and this is really the first video to give this advice. This is so practical. Thank you.

[@wuskers]

I tried a new method this year, spraying and injecting the stem about 6 inches above the ground and with BT. Has worked amazing

[@rachaelmayer]

I performed multiple surgeries last summer. I had many plants make it but some had too much damage. It’s an exhausting process but rewarding.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I agree, it definitely can be exhausting! I'm only doing a few plants this year so I can keep a close eye on them!

[@LB-vl3qn]

This is my first year growing squash in this garden. But, someone near us must have grown squash last summer because they are constantly flying around my plants, and I have found at least six pupae while digging in my garden. Know what they look like so you can dispatch them when you find them. For [prevention, I've been using black tulle to protect the vines at the root point. That's the favorite. and most dangerous spot for the SVB to lay her eggs. The tulle allows water to pass through so it doesn't need to be removed. Regular inspection of the rest of the vines prevents the inevitable damage from killing the plants. At first, I tried shrouding each entire vine with tulle, but they grow so fast and start to intermingle, which then made it impossible to keep them completely covered. I also didn't want to have to hand-pollinate the flowers to get squash. Keeping the roots of the vines covered coupled with regular inspection of the vines has frustrated the efforts of the SVB enough that my vines are still growing and producing. Lastly, that mealy stuff you saw on the vine is called frass. It's the waste of the SVB and a dead giveaway that you've got borers. ~ Lisa

[@loricawley54]

So, just to clarify, u put tulle around the stem where it goes into the ground? Do u also put tulle around each branch that comes off the main stem or just at ground lvl? This is my first yr growing cucumbers and zucchini in west Tx, zone 8a. I haven’t seen any evidence of any pests as of yet, but I’d rather be as proactive as I can. Ty!

[@LB-vl3qn]

@@loricawley54 I'm not far away from you here in N Texas so it wouldn't surprise me to learn that you have borers in your area. To answer your question, I wrap tulle loosely around any areas that seem particularly vulnerable, such as the main root and the open stretches of vine. I also bury the vines at their joints to encourage them to root on their own so if the main root does die, the new vines can live on and produce fruit. It's not as tidy as I like, but it works well. Just keep up with making sure the vines are covered. They grow quickly, which displaces the tulle so it will need daily attention to keep vines well-protected. Good luck in your garden. ~ Lisa

[@loricawley54]

@@LB-vl3qn I’m growing my cucumbers and zucchini vertically up trellises in raised beds so I don’t have the room to bury the vines at each joint. However, I can def wrap with tulle at the branching points and soil lvl, and give each plant daily attn to make sure the tulle is staying in place.

[@LB-vl3qn]

@@loricawley54 That's fine. Just remember that if you have tulle over the vines while they're in flower, you'll need to hand-pollinate. Not a big deal and much better than losing your vines. Good luck! ~ Lisa

[@loricawley54]

@@LB-vl3qn Tysm for the advice! Happy gardening! 💞

[@timothyalan7731]

Good job. Nothing more frustrating to lose all that time and effort to damaging pests.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Right?! I’m glad I was able to minimize their damage by staying on top of it!

[@judywilcoxon1093]

Thanks for the info!! It helped me a lot. I looked at my garden after viewing your video and found squash bug eggs.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

It's easiest to remove them using duct tape!

[@kendrahandmatt]

Thank you so much. I am always losing my plants every summer to these pests!!! I have given up on my plants before but I am continuing keep trying every year. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Growing squash can be a challenge! Glad this was helpful for you

[@Antique803]

I’ve got an Eastern Phoebe (bird) living near my garden. Which means a pair plus the hatchlings. That bird spends most of its time patrolling for bugs. It’s amazing to watch. I hope it helps with most bug pest! The corn looks awesome btw and thanks!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

That is awesome! I'll have to look into those birds. I'm not familiar. Thank you!

[@karin0963]

I just discovered what a vine borer was yesterday. I inspected every plant this morning and dug them out. Some plants were too far gone. Thank you for your video.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Oh no! Sounds like me last year. I didn't know what they were until last summer. Hopefully some of your plants will survive! I had to keep a close eye on mine to make sure they were getting enough water.

[@karin0963]

@@MasonDixonAcres thank you.

[@vetgirl71]

Thank you for sharing this video! 🙏🏾 I lost three honey nut squash to vine borers. I planted late in August in zone 7B (Long Island, New York). I checked the leaves everyday, sprayed the leaves, wrapped aluminum foil around the base of the vine. The only thing I didn’t do was continue to wrap the vine with the aluminum foil as it extended and grew. At first from late August-mid September I had the plant covered with insect cover, because I did see those white moths flying around. But after awhile I couldn’t keep up with hand pollinating the flowers. I kept getting more male flowers & they would die very quickly. So I removed the insect cloth . I know now what to look for on the vine & leaves next year. It’s very frustrating after doing all that work and bearing some fruit to lose the whole plant in the end. 😢 I will get the BT too . Now I have to check those containers for their eggs 🤢 and expose them to the winter cold or destroy them . We can’t burn anything in our county. Hopefully I will get rid of them or I won’t use that soil again! All that hardwork was done in vain fighting off critters & pests in the garden is a battle! It is a jungle out there, especially after dark! 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@joesqudy]

Thanks for doing this video I had no clue, that there were two different kinds of bugs that attack squash. The squash bug, I understood it to go after a different plant. While the vine border is the one I really have the issue with. And I’ve never had anyone tell me that there are two different squash bugs that like to go after your squash. Thank you so much. I did know of both bugs but I didn’t know the squash bug went after your squash. Again thank you, you’re the only one who has shown the difference 😃♥️

[@AnnasAspirations]

Thank you for sharing, this is my 3rd season of growing and first time dealing with vine borers, I was feeling discouraged but after watching your video, I feel inspired to go out tomorrow and get those buggies....I found one in my squash today.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad the video was helpful! Hopefully it will help you identify damage early on next year too!

[@michellemoseley9790]

I couldn’t figure what was happening to my plants. I finally saw them.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad that you found them!

[@jonihughey1352]

I’m going to look again. I have 4 plants that just wilte. Still has blooms & bees though .

[@suffolkshepherd]

I took a photo of a bug i seen in the garden this afternoon, and first video came up was this one. It looks exactly like the stink bug in your photo. It was on a black berry on the blackberry plant. Thanks, this video was helpful.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

They look really similar to stink bugs! Glad it was helpful!

[@suffolkshepherd]

@@MasonDixonAcres just watched a National Geographic video on Stink Bugs and it appears both are bad. Edit: So this makes it easier as I eliminate both. I was worried about harming a beneficial

[@juliebaggett2958]

I have had a lot of trouble with squash bugs and vine borers this year, I watched your video and it helped me a lot. I did find a break through about killing the bugs with a simple solution of Heal Earth Dr. Bonner's 18-1HempPeppermint Pure-Castile Soap and water in a spray bottle. I use a large hand held spray bottle and mix about 1/8 cup of soap and the rest water. I swish it around and then spray the squash bugs and the little ones that have hatched and I have watched them and within 30 seconds they die. I did it on a lot of them to make sure before I said anything. I still squish the eggs like you said and I even spray them after I squish them. I'm still working on the vine borers, they got all my plants this year. I thankful for a long growing season so I can replant. I have sprayed the vine borer moth bug and it has died within 30 seconds. I'm glad I found it when I did because they were really bad before I sprayed and squashed their eggs.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Did you notice any negative effects on the plants themselves when you sprayed with the soap? I have some vine borer damage again this year but I've never seen a moth yet!

[@juliebaggett2958]

@@MasonDixonAcres I have not seen damages from the soap, just the bugs. I have used it on all my vine plants, cucumbers and zucchini has killed the bugs but not the plants.

[@laurajones6486]

I have found that spaying BT or sprinkling BT powder works really well on vine borer. It is organic and kills any kind of caterpillars. So I only spray it on pests. Like tomato horn worms.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Several others have mentioned this injecting it into the vine! I’m definitely trying that this year

[@bevpirt9930]

Where do you get your BT? Local stores do not carry.....

[@steveanthony494]

She is a beautiful bug squasher !

[@Shyshytown78]

So far this is the best video I’ve seen with how to handle these. You have a beautiful home and garden! God bless!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you so much for the kind words! My garden is definitely my happy place ☺️

[@annettehough2792]

It’s a lot of work, but your harvest is fantastic. I’m very proud of you.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Definitely is a lot of work but I really enjoy it! Thank you 🙂

[@Joy_736]

I am so glad I found your very informative video! I am trying to get as much knowledge in advance about these pesky bugs. Pretty much all of my squash plants, including pumpkin, were destroyed by vine borers last year 😢

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I’m glad you found the video to be helpful! Happy gardening!

[@Charity291]

I just learned of the vine borer this year after seeing the adults flying around my plants and searching what it was, I've been battling them. Some wins, some losses. Next year I'll be better prepared. Your detailed video has helped tremendously! I'll be more diligent going forward.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I saw my first moth today! Vine borers are one of my least favorite garden pests.. that and cabbage worms!

[@rosewood513]

Excellent video. I never saw any of these bugs when I live up north. So when they came after I moved down south I got infested. Thanks for showing some things I didn't know.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Last year was my first year dealing with the squash vine borers. I’ll definitely be trying some new preventative techniques next year so I’ll make sure to share if any of them work!

[@heatherorologio59]

This was the MOST helpful video! I normally cut the yellow leaves off and throw them in our woods. Never thought to cut them open ! Thank you!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful! Some others commented about injecting the vine with BT.. I'm going to try that this year!

[@traceymartin35]

Gurlllll! I love you thank you! They are not a the base thank god I'm finding the in the baby flowers and the tip the runners I'm out there everyday looking TIP! LOOK FOR what looks like morning dew clear chrystal like it sticky before it gos brown happy hunting I'm going to fight for all 9 of my plants one full size pumpkin would be a BLESSING

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Pests can be such a pain! I hope you're able to get a harvest!

[@charliewilliams8794]

I wish you would of been able to show them the egg b cuz a lot of ppl think they're the ones you showed but they're not the vine borer egg is a little same color but kind of flat it's normally one egg as you said but it could be on any of your stems not just the main one as you showed them where they was entering your plant. You did a very good job with this video and your killing it with the way your able to see those little suckers I'm older so normally I find the bigger ones and have lost some plants for sure I hate the vine borer and stink bugs and squash bugs they're awful thanks for a very informative video you're a beast at finding them and getting rid of them you rock keep up the good work ❤

[@sn232]

Great video! Also had heard to inject Captain Jack's dead bug into the stems if badly infected with vine borer. I have been dusting the base with food grade diatomaceous earth, but began too late so might try the injection or cutting it out, then dusting with diatomaceous earth. I had success in the past with the squash bug using neem oil but I made my own combo using pure neem oil, water, peppermint oil, and also food grade diatomaceous earth. I have heard the pre-mixed spray is not effective.

[@davidturnage3467]

Elaina, I love your passion!!!! I'm finding out how demanding squash can be. Certainly not a plant and forget crop!!!!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Definitely! In today's world of pests, things can turn bad quickly!

[@DoubleDChicksNStuffHomestead]

I fought these things all season this year and lost my fight! By hose little suckers will destroy an entire crop! Thank you for the information and sharing! 🌻

[@andreastockton3860]

Best way to get squash bug eggs is to lift them off with duct tape! This was a game changer for me. So much easier (and less damage to the plants) than scraping or squishing. Once you have a bunch on the tape, fold it over and squish before throwing it away. 👍 Thanks for the vine borer tips! Those are the next posts after my crop!

[@lindysmallwood2039]

Thank you. I learn so much. I just planted my squash so I’ll be in the look out

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks for watching!! Yes you gotta be on top of them or else they can take over quickly!

[@lindajarvies3953]

Thank you so much for your video! I am new to gardening and now I know what happened to my squash.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Now you can plan a little bit for next year!

[@nessalyn02]

The weather here in Illinois has been ridiculous as of late, so I've neglected my inspection duties a bit. I'm certainly paying for it today. I saw that my spaghetti squash plant was looking sickly compared to yesterday. Upon inspection, I found these little eggs and a split stalk. I was so heartbroken until I came across your video. I appreciate all of the useful information you shared 🙏🏽

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad the video was helpful! I hope that you can manage to save a couple of your plants. Depending where you are at and what variety you're growing, you may have time for a second planting!

[@nessalyn02]

@@MasonDixonAcres I'm in 5b growing zone. I had to pull the whole plant the other day 😣. It's a wash for 2022, but I now know how to move in 2023!

[@fishingpinky3165]

Edit: I cant believe how many armyworms and cabbage loppers I found on my plants. UGGG. Thank you so much from zone 9B. I was ready to give up on growing squash due to finding some plants I started from seed (again) being destroyed. I am headed out there now to examine my plants. I have found vine borers before but didnt know what was causing the leaves to turn that brown/yellow you mentioned. Thanks again.

[@MrBoDiggety]

I appreciate your vid. I just snipped a mini squash from one of my four plants and tore it open. I'm seeing burgundy-colored eggs and even a green worm. I never would've guessed that's what I had because I couldn't see them. I guess I'll have to do some surgery now too. This is my 2nd ever crop and, like the first one, it's failing miserably. I see baby squash coming then they just fizzle. I guess I wasn't doing something wrong. Something wrong was being done to my plant but it wasn't me. Thx for the help with the diagnosis. Much love from Florida.

[@JessieNihilist]

I have vine borers in my squash. It's making me so friggin bummed!! I've been so excited for my candy roaster 🥺 I'm keeping ahead of the squash bugs but the vine borers. Geez. Good luck to you and yours ❤️🌱🖤

[@pamwatson5889]

Thank you for actually showing the SVB.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Of course! Hope it helps you find those pesky little buggers!

[@pamwatson5889]

Im outside of San Antonio, the SVB are bad in this area. Im out looking at my plants continously. Thank you for your video.

[@rugbyladice574]

Very nice video. Dealing with an infestation right now. We are first year gardeners, and learning as we go.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

There is so much learning with gardening! I feel like I learn something new each time I visit the garden.

[@Badger.07]

I’ve never had an issue with cucumber Beatles before but there is a bunch this year and I soaked them in natural soapy water it worked wonderfully

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Ugh cucumber beetles are another one that are a pain!

[@jude7321]

Hi❣️🌱🐦 Do you mean you sprayed them with soapy water?

[@Badger.07]

@@jude7321 natural Castrol soap

[@jude7321]

@@Badger.07 Ok, thanks Noah❣️🌱🐦

[@cbak1819]

Very concise and easy to understand thanks gardening friend. God has blessed you with perseverance.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you for the feedback! I think there is a lot of value in learning about the lifecycle of different insects. Best of luck with your garden!

[@gregbennett8759]

This video was helpful and informative. F.Y.I. Dawn dish soap kills squash bugs. You can pick them off the plant and put them in a container of soapy water. I fill up a miracle gro sprayer with soap then spray the plants. This method also makes it easier to pick the bugs off the plant because the bugs will climb to the highest leaf after being sprayed to get away from the soap.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you so much for the tip! What is the ratio of dish soap to water that you use?

[@KS-vf5he]

@@MasonDixonAcres I use this ratio on my plants: For a 1 percent solution of Dawn soap spray, mix 2 1/2 tablespoons of detergent in 1 gallon of water. Add another 2 1/2 tablespoons per gallon for each 1 percent you wish to strengthen the solution, up to a 4 percent mixture. For a smaller batch of soap solution, use one-fourth of that detergent amount and combine with 1 quart of water. Spray the top and bottom of leaves every four to seven days until the insects are gone. Do not apply to plants when temperatures are above 85 degrees F. I poached that information from the SFGate home guides section. Greg's statement about using the miracle grow sprayer to handle that sounds like a good bet. I'd been considering it for use next year with my aphid issues.

[@johoney5458]

ty. I just found your video and learned a lot from it. y'all have a blessed day

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks! You too! We are hoping for some rain today ☺️

[@jomack7923]

Thanks for sharing your information, I hope I saved my plants in time. GOD Bless you and keep you safe during theses days we're living in. Shalom

[@MasonDixonAcres]

You are very welcome! Hope your plants are OK! I am battling with vine borers again in my garden this year but not nearly as bad as last year.

[@casandracothran-zolan6631]

man I wish I had seen this a few weeks ago. lost all my squash plants to vine borers this year

[@MasonDixonAcres]

ughh! I'm sorry! They are the worst! At least you now know for next year!

[@gendoll5006]

Omg! I didn’t know these were squash bugs!!! I’ve always seen pics of the black and orange SVB and even though I’m dealing with the larva right now I’ve yet to see one of these flying around, but I see these stink bug looking bugs everywhere!

[@LouisianaSimpleLiving]

Great video! Squash vine borers really suck!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you! Ugh yes they do! I saw a squash bug in my garden today 😞 and so the egg hunting begins!

[@kevintheplantman]

This was an absolutely fantastic video. Great visuals and information.

[@traciort233]

Very helpful video! Thank you so much. I used neem oil and it burnt up the leaves.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Oh no! Did you mix it per the instructions on the package? Or maybe spray it when it was really hot out? I've never had it burn leaves!

[@gregoryjacksonsr7452]

I got those little black beetle things on my vines. Just one plant so far. I check mine at least four times a day. Doesn't take long for them to wipe ya out. Gonna try neem oil next. It messes up there life cycle. And here in Michigan we in a drought so spraying stays on for awhile. I use alot of diatomaceous earth too. Won't use toxic pesticides ever again. Great Video and Great knowledge.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Checking for the eggs definitely helps! I check about once or twice per week. They usually hatch after 10 days so theoretically if you're checking every 7, you should prevent most hatchings! Duct tape works well for getting the eggs off the leaves 🙂

[@barbschmidt2190]

Great close-ups, details, and information! Thank you so much.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful! Happy gardening 🥰

[@lizworkman9967]

Awesome advice and I would have never believed that the bug was so small! Thank you!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Happy to help! I know right?! They can be so small!

[@lorik8730]

Thank you so much for this video! First off, I thought the squash bugs were stink bugs. I just spent an hour digging vine borers out of my plants (very satisfying!). I then sprinkled rooting enzyme powder on the vines just past where the damage was and buried them in fresh topsoil/compost so they can root anew.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Awesome!! Glad the video helped!

[@joannenardoni17]

Great video, great information, I had no idea. Your the best

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad to help

[@MsGrannyfrog]

Thanks for showing the pictures on the leaf stalks because that is the more common location I have found them. I agree with you about the NEEM oil and I do not want to kill my beneficials by smothering them with it.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful!! Yes, I always find them on the leaf stalks!

[@jerrymatthews8968]

Thank you for the good informational video, keep on squashing!!

[@richjokertundra3803]

Mine were over taken by these lost 7 squash plants have 6 left been trying to keep thriving

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Fingers crossed you can keep them alive! 🤞

[@jjs211u]

I finally know what to look for. Thank you so much.

[@Mo-mr8vv]

This was one of the most informative garden videos I have ever watched. ❣️ I lost my zucchini last year to the vine borer over night. Thank you for the close up video so I know what to look for. 🐛 Subscribing now.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Wow Melissa! That's crazy that you lost all of your plants overnight. Hopefully this year you will have better luck. I want to try some new preventative measures this year so I will make sure to share any that work. Thanks for the support! Happy gardening!

[@deanmarten]

Great video. Good content. Didn't know about the vine borers. Little buggers.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Me either until last year! I still have yet to see a moth!

[@daniellebailey6802]

I fight them every year, so this year I'm doing a late planting and row covers until it gets large. By then they should be done laying eggs and I'll still have time to get a decent crop. (Fingers crossed).

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Interesting! I've never heard of that. How late do you plan to plant?

[@daniellebailey6802]

@@MasonDixonAcres I'm on zone 6b and I'm thinking early August.

[@LexLuthier1]

Excellent video, one of the best I've ever seen. Thanks, I learned a lot.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Wow, thanks! Glad it was helpful!!

[@davidpacitti8942]

Great video! Thanks! I don’t know if anyone mentioned, but i keep a bottle of soapy water and squirt the squash bugs. That kills them which I find enjoyable. Is that wrong of me? 😊

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I need to have a dedicated bottle of water like this in my garden!

[@cambian3]

I have had good luck..try this process instead of cutting the larva out. Go to tractor supply and get a needle and syringe. Inject BT into the base where the "saw dust" is and put about 1 cc of BT inside the stem. It will kill the larva and save the plant and eliminates cutting stem .. You may need to do this a few times during the growing season, because BT has a short life (it is a bacteria). Wish you luck

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank so much for this tip! I will definitely have to try this out!

[@cambian3]

@@MasonDixonAcres Great, it has worked for me here in SE Texas. It is a good idea to sterilize the needle/syringe after each plant treatment. I don't always do it, but it is recommended. The BT is organic if interested, I just use it because it is safe for the plant and effective. My first visit at you page.. nice video and informative.

[@nileeshahimali8059]

Should BT be diluted for injecting? Many thanks.

[@cambian3]

@@nileeshahimali8059 Yes, most of the "brands" will give instructions on mixture (I use that). I mix mine in a small cup or jar and draw about 1 cc or so into the stem where the larva is eating. Sometimes there are more than two larva and the same stem will need more than one injection. The BT must be put so the larva will eat it. I have cut the larva out with a knife/razor, but it can destroy your plant if not careful trying to find that bugger! Good luck!

[@nileeshahimali8059]

@@cambian3 Thank you so much for the detail reply.Now I can save my plants from this creature.

[@nedwitham7020]

Thank you for the information. We have both and didn't know about the borer. They killed a few of our squash. We will use your tips for next year.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

There have been some other good ideas in the comments too! Someone suggested injecting BT into the stem for the vine borers!

[@26Marlow]

Wow, this video was so helpful to me. Never seen y'all on here.....so I'm new subscriber. Thanks for info. Neem oil hasn't helped me with them either 😒

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks for subscribing! Hope the info helped! There are some good tips in the comments as well.

[@allisonsimons8718]

This video had the answers to all my problems! Thank you!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad you found it helpful! If you're dealing with vine borers, definitely read through some of the comments because there have been some helpful tips posted!

[@janegalt1671]

Thanks! Never knew about the vine borers!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

They can be a pain so definitely keep an eye out!

[@Experiment.626]

My first year dealing with these ty for the tips!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

You’re welcome!

[@kenycharles8600]

Thank you for this presentation.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

Thanks! In think I just saved my entire zucchini harvest with your tips

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Awesome!!

[@Niki-mo1wf]

I really enjoyed your video. This is my first time watching and I just subscribed to your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Awesome thank you!

[@RSjoyful]

I have been fighting squash bugs all season. My mom who is 91 years old said her parents used woodstove ash. She also said to get rid of the mother of the squash bug. So what I did I cut off all the bottom leaves so I could look at the base of the squash plant. I found the mother and I placed ash at the base. Goodness it worked. I still have some eggs but destroying them every day but its getting better and fewer.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Interesting! I’ll have to try that!

[@freddieivory625]

Great info, thank you for sharing!! I’m going hunting for pest!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Yay! I’m glad I was able to help. Happy gardening!

[@weirdfishes643]

I heard you can take BT, use a hypodermic needle and insert bt where there is Vine Borer damage!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Someone else mentioned that as well! I think that's a great idea because it's much less invasive. That's the one downside of cutting open the stem and covering it with soil, you risk the plant not getting enough water. Thanks for the tip!

[@ashtanga2000]

@@MasonDixonAcres spray Bt every week.

[@beckysnay1609]

What is BT?

[@jaxonv2098]

I used painters tape to reseal my vines covered with aluminium foil. My first garden this year. Next year row covers

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Not a bad idea! I'm interested to see how that works out!

[@loriferguson3004]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GardenJensJourney]

Another way to deal with vine borerers is to inject the stem with BT where you see the damage. It saved my pumpkin vine. 😊

[@nileeshahimali8059]

Can we directly inject BT from the bottle or do we have to get the diluted solution? Please help me.I have lots of damaged plants from them.

[@GardenJensJourney]

@@nileeshahimali8059 You mix it according to directions for that bug/plant. Then inject about 2 ml into the stem around where the bore hole is. I usually inject at points 1 inch on each side. I get my syringe and needles at a farm store.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks for all of the info! This is a great tip and I'm sure others will think so too!

[@GardenJensJourney]

@@MasonDixonAcres You're welcome!! Some can't stomach dealing with those maggot resembling pests. Just... ewwww!! I have a hard time stomaching a squash bug infestation. **Gulp** Getting those eggs before they hatch is crucial indeed!! Easier on the stomach AND your crops.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Ugh I know the vine borers really do look like maggots 😆 so gross!!

[@lindaneese4003]

Great video. Very informative.

[@judypierce7028]

This was a great informative video!!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

So glad! Happy gardening 🙂

[@margaretd3710]

One idea for the vine borer is when you transplant your squash into the garden, to put a barrier around the plant so the moth can't lay her eggs. You can use 1/2 of an empty toilet paper roll - just place it around the plant and be sure and stick it into the ground a little ways. Or use a plastic or paper cup - cut the end out and stick it around the plant the same way. Just be sure that the squash plant has true leaves and is taller than the toilet paper roll/cup so it gets enough sun. You can use this method with cabbage and other cuburbits.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thank you so much for the tip! I'll have to try this next year!

[@jude7321]

I just did this 5 minutes after I read this comment. I had just planted my baby squashlings yesterday. Thanks for the tip. God bless you ❣️🌱🐦 Jude, from Kentucky ✝️🥀🐴🇺🇲💚

[@snowcreek7156]

I use a product, BT, that I inject into the main vine, once, no fuss, no muss, no more borers!

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Such a great idea!

[@Irasid]

This is such an awesome video. I just noticed wilting of my grey zucchini and hopefully this video is going to help me to deal with this issue

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Best of luck! Definitely read through some of the comments too because there are some great suggestions!

[@nancywebb6549]

Video from Humble Servant Homestead “Going to war with vine borers” has some interesting methods.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks for sharing! I'll have to check it out.

[@denisemiller8474]

Use Sluggo slug and snail plus it kills squash bugs and bores. And earwigs and Beatles. It’s safe for the garden. They also make sluggo max it has phosphorus in it so I just use phosphorus and the slug and snail plus

[@rosakeigans1755]

Thanks you are so informative great Job 👍

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Thanks! Happy gardening!

[@galengelonek5801]

Awesome and informative. Thank you for the great videos.

[@MasonDixonAcres]

Glad you're enjoying our videos! I'm hoping to make some more gardening videos over this summer!

[@jude7321]

Hi❣️🌱🐦 How do you preserve all your squash? Thanks for a very informative video, I love how you get right in there and show us how it's done, Visuals always work better for me. Beautiful garden! God bless y'all Jude, from Kentucky ✝️🥀🐴🇺🇲💚

[@MasonDixonAcres]

I always do better learning from videos as well! We live in an older home and don’t have much space for storage right now. We currently don’t do anything special with storing the winter squash and they typically last for several months! We still have 1 butternut squash left from last year