Squash babies deflating like balloons...

Can anyone tell me what is doing this and how to make it go away? I’ve had only one squash from this plant this season, yet there have been dozens of babies and flowers. They all shrivel up, drop off or turn grey and get slimy. The 1 squash we did have by the way was a whopping 4.5 lbs.!!! And it was sweet and delicious to boot. I am so sad that we may only have one! There are small black dust/spot/bugs and what look like aphids as well. Can they do this? Also, I am trying not to use pesticides if possible. But I may have to break down! Buuuuummmmmer!

Most likely lack of pollinators like bees. You may have to hand pollinate, There are a few folks around who are good at it.

Thanks for the reply :-). I should say that some of the immature squash can get to 2,3 even 4 inches and then...pppffftttttthhhh! So, it seems like they are on their way (and pollinated) and then something cuts their life short! Notice the promising sized ones in the horizontal picture? That is how they start out, and even get a bit bigger, and then: slime! Also, the garden is absolutely abuzz with bees of all sorts and sizes, so I would be surprised if that was the reason. Although; I have heard that theory before. So, maybe....what do I know? Can anyone think of any other reason? I mean, between my three plants I’ve lost close to 50 hopefuls. While I don’t know what I would do with fifty, I would like more than ONE! Signed: Sad in Sac…:-{

A fungal disease is a possibilty, although it is usually more apparent on winter squash. I have never encountered the problem. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/our_offices/departments/Plant_Pathology_Crop_Physiology/Plant_Disease_Clinic/Disease_Image_Gallery/Herbs_Vegetables/Squash/Squash+Diseases.htm

Most squash diseases severely affect the plant, and your plants look good. Aphids vector most of the squash diseases so you would want to get rid of those. http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/hortcrop/pp656w.htm

I don't know if you have them in California, but the pickle worm gets mid summer squash here. The fruit is drilled full of holes, gets stunted, mushy and then rots.

Farmerdill...you are the BEST! Thank you, thank you, thank you for NOT leaving me in a virtual lurch with no one caring about me or my little squash babies.

That said...perhaps I am just a worried squash momma and they really are just "not getting fertilized". Or/and maybe they have a fungal disease as you said (I've crowded my bed; some of my tomato plants have rusty, droopy leaves as well as bumpy skin on the stalk, and mushrooms have popped up here and there from time to time). The aphids are a new affliction, and I will check out your link. I've given everyone a compost tea shower and drink, but it has been about three to four weeks since I did that last. Ideally I would do it every week. I hear that CT works great for all kinds of things. This is my first real veggie garden, and so I'm still learning. There's always next year!