In the absence of control, high overwintering populations have led to extremely high infestations of squash bug being observed in Rosemount, MN (Dakota Co.). Both adults and nymphs are present in squash and pumpkin fields (see photo of nymph, left). All photographs for this article were taken August 22nd at Rosemount. Some fields have "hot spots" where plants have been observed that are wilting and/or dead (see photo, below). Damage symptoms caused by squash bug should not be confused with those for bacterial wilt, which is vectored by the striped cucumber beetle. For information on bacterial wilt symptoms, see the Striped Cucumber Beetle Fact Sheet).

Maturing fruit should be present in most squash and pumpkin fields at this time of the year and with vining and the closure of rows, treatment options are limited. Monitoring and control measures should be done at early flower. Fields should be checked carefully, particularly as green leaf tissue dies down. Squash bugs (and striped cucumber beetle) may gradually move to the fruit and cause more damage. Although excessive vining may prevent spraying entire fields, "spot-treatments" may be effective. For example, at Rosemount, The current infestation is limited primarly to field edges. Because many of the individuals are still in the nymh (immature) stages, feeding intensity could increase in the coming weeks as more adults are produced. For more information see the Squash Bug Fact Sheet.

Squash bug adults and nymphs on underside of squash leaf
(spotted cucumber beetle adult on hand)

Squash bug adults and nymphs on squash vine