Question
Pest - beetle
I have this beetle on the leaves of my giant pumpkins. I live in the Sacramento valley/Foothills of California. Can you tell me what this is and how do I get rid of it? I don't know what to do. I tried soapy water, but they are still there.
AnswerThese are called squash bugs, they are not true beetles. Squash bugs, Anasa tristis (order Hemiptera), are a common pest in vegetable gardens. They feed on plant foliage using mouthparts that let them pierce the foliage and suck plant sap. Their feeding results in plant wilt and in some cases plant death. Squash bugs target vegetable crops in the cucurbit family, such as pumpkin, squash, and melon.
Squash bugs feed on garden crops of summer and winter squash as well as pumpkin. Both adults and nymphs can be found near the crown of the plant, underneath leaves or under dirt clods and other protective cover. When disturbed, they disperse quickly.
For overwintering, unmated squash bugs find shelter in the fall under dead leaves, rocks, wood, and other garden debris. Once spring approaches, they fly from their protective habitat to nearby cucurbits where they feed, mate, and lay eggs. Eggs hatch in 5 to 10 days, and this second generation of squash bugs overwinters and produces eggs the following spring.
Since squash bugs often seek shelter around the base of plants, this area should be cleared of debris. Mulches often provide protective cover for squash bugs and damage can be worse on plants that are mulched compared to those grown over bare soil.
Hand pick bugs at all stages from undersides of leaves and put them in a bucket of soapy water. This can be challenging because squash bugs hide under leaves and move quickly when disturbed.
Trap squash bugs by laying out boards or pieces of newspaper. Squash bugs will congregate under the boards at night, and then can be collected and destroyed in the morning.
A number of insecticides also effectively kill squash bugs. Look for products containing carbaryl or permethrin. Be sure to follow the package directions carefully.
