Squash bugs are already active in the Grand Valley. If you wait until you find eggs on the underside of the leaves of your summer and winter squash and pumpkin plants, the adults will have already been feeding on these plants. When squash bugs feed at this time of year they can delay plant growth and even kill seedlings and young plants.
The insecticides carbaryl and permethrin provide excellent control. Diatomaceous earth and pyrethrins are also effective. These materials are best applied to the underside of the leaves and around the base of the plant. To ensure the insecticide sticks mist the plants prior to apply the insecticide. Follow label directions on timing, pre-harvest interval and application rate. The label is the law and needs to be followed.
You can find more information on squash bugs at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05609.pdf
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