What do you do to avoid 'squash vine borer' ?

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jannz2 Pilot Point, TX(Zone 7b) May 03, 2009

Since the 'borers' always seem to find my squash plants I'm wondering if there is something I need to do AHEAD of when they show up ?

Suggestions / comments are appreciated!

Many thanks...
Jann

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cue_chik Palm Coast, FL(Zone 9a) May 03, 2009

somewhere on here I read that dusting the crown of the plant with an insecticidal powder before an infestation was helpful. cant remember where it was. I havent noticed a prob with mine yet, but was considering taking that advice just in case

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LTilton Glen Ellyn, IL(Zone 5b) May 03, 2009

I plant butternut squash, which is resistant to the borers.

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locakelly Phoenix, AZ(Zone 9a) May 03, 2009

I've heard that placing cuttings of Dill around your squash deters them. I have dill planted near them and will try the cutting thing and see how it goes. One of those old home remedies it can't hurt to try - lol.

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jannz2 Pilot Point, TX(Zone 7b) May 03, 2009

Locakelly: The dill suggestion sounds interesting.... did you plant your dill from seed ?

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locakelly Phoenix, AZ(Zone 9a) May 03, 2009

Hi, jannz2 -

I actually had the Dill growing in an Aerogarden. When I decided to start some seeds in it, I stuck the Dill and Basil in the outside garden and they took off like wildfire. Dill grows easily from seed. I plan to purchase some seed from Botanical Interests for next year. Here's the link to their site which has some good info on planting and harvesting Dill:

http://www.botanicalinterests.com/store/search_results_detail.php?seedtype=H&seedid=310

Dill is said to attract beneficials like ladybugs, hoverflys and predatory wasps as well as the beautiful Swallowtail butterfly (not so good if you have citrus trees as they lay their eggs there and you get orange dogs, which is the caterpillar that loves to eat citrus leaves). Plus, the plants are beautiful and great for cooking. Here is another link with some interesting stuff on companion planting:

http://www.ghorganics.com/page2.html

If you google "companion planting" there is a wealth of info out there.

Sometimes with borers you need to just plant more than you need and spread them out (as space allows) and watch your plants like a hawk. I've never really has a problem with them here in the desert, but I know they are around. I have no problem squishing 'em if I see 'em either. Good luck!!

Kelly

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LTilton Glen Ellyn, IL(Zone 5b) May 03, 2009

A good trap plant for the borer is blue hubbard squash. Plant one away from your other squash, then pull it up, kill the borers inside and toss the plant.

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