I found two today one is called rescue squash bug trap. They just sent out there 1st production on june 28, 2011. I also found another one strube's stink bug traps. Neither one had any customer reviews so it makes me nervous to buy them and possibly be disappointed. I have squash bugs on my corn mostly and some on my squash. I planted radishes this year around them. I put out praying mantis cases. I put out benefical nemetodes too.
Anybody used the squash bugs traps that are on the market?
Never heard of a squash bug trap. I covered my squash plants until they started to flower and then sprayed them with neem oil. I also planted radishes and nasturtiums and garlic along the row. We'll see if any of that helps.
Garfieldkae,
I just finished a battle with squash bugs. Unfortunately I was far behind when I found them so the plants suffered some, but look like they will come back. I fought, at first, with store bought insecticidal soap and it worked very well. Then, after a little research, I bought some Dr. Bronners Peppermint Soap and mixed 1tbsp into a gallon of water then used a pump sprayer to get rid of them. The soap is a little pricey, but it works well IMHO and the garden smells great! Plus, at a tbsp at a time, 32oz will last quite a while! I initially killed hundreds a day for a couple of days, now it is just one or two at a time. I have cautiously claimed victory.
Just be sure to not mix it too strong, spray early or late to avoid sunburning the leaves and, if possible, spray a test leaf the day prior to going on the offensive to make sure it does not harm your leaves. I saw no I'll effects, but your mileage may vary!
Best of luck!
Jeff
Jeff, where did you hear about Dr. Bronners Peppermint Soap for squash bugs? That's a new one for me. How does it kill them?
ETA: Just looked it up; do you know if the other fragrances work as well on squash bugs? Lavender sounds nicer for general use.
This message was edited Jul 10, 2011 9:22 PM
Greenhouse_gal,
I do not think that the fragrance matters that much, it is the fatty acids that do the dirty work. :)
For anyone else interested, this is one of the links that inspired me to make my own.
http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/organic/msg0811021528979.html
Jeff
Thanks for that link; interesting although they are a contentious lot, aren't they? One person did say that it was the peppermint oil that killed the beasties, but others said it was the fatty acids, as you state. I ordered the almond Dr. Bronner's in a small bottle just to try it out.
Yeah, there are always two sides to every situation. Hard to believe that such a topic can be that contentious, huh? Perhaps the fragrance keeps them away (or makes them want to bathe!) then the acids to their thing. :)
The soap can typically be purchased locally instead of having to order. I bought mine at Target here. If you serarch Google Shopper it will tell you where (if) you can get it nearby.
http://www.google.com/search?q=dr+bronner%27s&tbm=shop&hl=en&aq=f
Jeff
Huh! The Walgreens near us carries it. Who knew??? Thanks for the link, Jeff.
It's biodegradable, we used to use Dr Bonner's soaps when we were backpackers.........back in the olden days when I was strong and lithe. ;-)
There is one thing you should keep in mind about traps, they attract insects. You may end up getting more in your garden then you started with. Pepper spray also works great at repelling the bugs, http://www.gardenharvestsupply.com/ProductCart/pc/Hot-Pepper-Spray-c470.htm