Squash Vine Borer Lure and Universal Funnel Trap

Description

The adult moths mate, and the females lay their eggs near the base of squash plants, typically on the stems or at the soil line. The eggs hatch after about a week, and the larvae bore into the stems of the plants, where they feed and develop for several weeks.

The squash vine borer larvae can cause significant damage to the plants, weakening or killing them. In late summer, the mature larvae exit the stems and burrow into the soil to pupate. The pupal stage lasts for several weeks before adult moths emerge and the cycle begins again.

To trap this pest, you will need a durable yellow and white universal funnel trap and a sex pheromone lure. The pheromone lure attracts the Squash Vine borer moth to this trap, and 1 inch of water in the bottom of the trap will trap and kill the moths. These items are sold separately.

Plants Affected: Hubbard squashes, zucchini, pumpkins and gourds, and other squashes. Squash vine borers usually attack cucumbers and melons.

Timing: Place traps outside the gardens in late May to early June, this pest is active from June into July.

Coverage: 1 to 2 traps per 10 acres. This may be increased to 4 to 5 traps for heavy infestations per 10 acres.

Squash vine borer traps and lures are effective tools to help control the population of these pests, which can cause significant damage to squash plants. Here are the steps to use them:

1.             Install the traps: Place the traps near your squash plants, either by hanging them from a stake or placing them on the ground. Make sure they are close enough to the plants to attract the borers, but not too close that they interfere with plant growth.
2. Prepare the trapping system: Once the traps are installed, apply the lures into the trap in the lure basket. Fill the bottom of the trap with water and a few drops of unscented liquid dish soap.
3. Monitor the traps: Check the traps regularly, at least once a week, to see if any squash vine borers have been caught. Remove any trapped borers and dispose of them properly. Refill the trap with water and liquid dish soap.
4. Replace the lures: The lures will usually last for 4 weeks, but you should replace them when they start to lose their effectiveness.

Using squash vine borer traps and lures can be an effective way to control the population of these pests and protect your squash plants from damage. However, they are just one tool in a comprehensive pest management strategy, so you should also practice good cultural practices, such as rotating crops and keeping your garden clean and weed-free, to help prevent squash vine borers from becoming a problem in the first place.

Gardener Helpers for Managing Squash Vine Borers

1. Crop rotation: Planting squash in a different area of the garden each year can help to reduce the buildup of squash vine borer populations in the soil.
2. Companion planting: Planting squash with companion plants such as marigolds, nasturtiums, or tansy can help to deter squash vine borers.
3. Row covers: Covering young squash plants with row covers made of lightweight fabric can prevent adult squash vine borers from laying eggs on the plants.
4. Handpicking: If you notice adult squash vine borers or their eggs on your plants, you can try handpicking them off and destroying them.
5. Soil solarization: Solarizing the soil by covering it with clear plastic can help to reduce squash vine borer populations in the soil.