*yuck* Squash Vine Borer

I am pretty sure I killed a couple of SVB worms in my yellow squash. The only reason I am unsure about them being SVB is they were in the top of the plant. Most of what I have read suggests opening the stem to manually kill the worm then covering the wound with soil to encourage new roots and repairs. That has lead me to believe that the worms attack the bottom of the plant and not the tops as I have found. So first I would like to confirm that SVB is what I have: 1.5 inch worm, green with a white stripe, and smooth skin (as in no fluffy fronds). At the time I was more interested in getting them out of my plants than interrogating them as to their identity.

I have since soaked the squash and everything else in my garden with BT. I am completely new to the pest control concept, so is this enough to save my plants? The directions suggest weekly retreats, is that enough to ward off further SVB attacks. What preventative measures should I use next season?

Thanks for your help, I'll get around to a proper introduction post soon.
Tsaot

Hi Tsaot, welcome to the forum!

I google the SVB for you since I wasn't sure what the larva looks like. (The adult is very distinctive, red and black.) Here is a link for you:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1209.html

I think you may have a case of mistaken identity on your hands, but there are plenty of critters in the garden besides SVB to be concerned with. I had a tough time with squash bugs, myself, so I completely understand about going after the bugs and asking questions later! Good luck with your squash.

Well I was gone for a long weekend and the plant in question is still alive. I may have been lucky enough to catch whatever bug it was early. I did a little googling too and was still not able to find a match to my worm/caterpillar.

Can you post a picture of the little varmint? Maybe others can help.

If it was green with white diaginal stripes it may have been a tomato horn worm look at them on the net and see if that maybe the intruder.
Shannon

Might have been a cabbage worm. BT will definitely help with that.