Organic Squash Vine Borer Control

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Illustration By Keith Ward
Many of our readers have reported that the most effective methods of organic squash vine borer control are crop rotation and growing resistant varieties, which includes butternut squash and a few varieties of pumpkin.

This article is part of ourOrganic Pest Control Series, which includes articles on attracting beneficial insects, controlling specific garden pests, and using organic pesticides.

Squash Vine Borers (Melittia satyriniformis)

Squash vine borers are one of the most common pests encountered when growing pumpkins or squash. Squash vine borer larvae feed inside the thick stems of summer squash, winter squash and large pumpkins. Affected plants slowly wilt and die during the second half of summer. A native American insect, squash borers are rarely seen west of the Rocky Mountains, but are extremely common in the east. Organic controls for squash vine borers include growing resistant varieties, crop rotation, using row covers, passive traps, and surgical removal. 

  • Published on May 2, 2013
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