Squash bugs have been spotted in gardens around Durham. This pest attacks all members of the cucurbit family (which includes squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons). Scouting for and removing the eggs and insects is an environmentally friendly way of controlling the population and reducing the use of pesticides. Check your plants several times per week, looking at the undersides of leaves as well as the tops. Once you learn to recognize the pests, the job is fairly simple.
Squash bug eggs can be wiped or gently scraped from the leaf surfaces by hand. Destroy (squash) the eggs so they don’t hatch!
Squash bug nymphs: Just squash them. Wear gloves – they have a bad odor.
Adults (yes, squash them too – with your gloves on)
Photos from Missouri Botanical Garden
Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Durham County 