Squash bugs

Luke Allen 5/26/2020, 8:13 am

Ok all you old hands what do I do about squash bugs. They are the worst I have ever seen.
I make up a spray with Dawn detergent and I seem to help a little but there has to be other
things that I can spray that is safe. HELP

Luke Allen

OhioGardener 5/26/2020, 10:15 am

I don't like using Dawn, or other detergents which are anti-bacterial - they harm the beneficial microbes both on the plant and the soil. I prefer to use a Neem Oil solution, which is non-toxic to beneficial insects. Mix 2 tablespoonful of each Neem Oil and Liquid soap, such as Castile Soap, in a gallon of water, and spray all parts of the plant, including the underside of leaves. Repeat weekly, or after rains. Also, daily check the underside of the leaves for egg clusters and destroy any that are found.

Luke Allen 5/26/2020, 10:49 am

Thanks for the tips. I have heard of neem oil but not the kind of liquid soap
you recommended. I will try to find it. I hope this helps. Things are bad here.

Luke

OhioGardener 5/26/2020, 11:09 am

If you have a natural foods store, such a Whole Foods, or a health food store, they will have Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap. Our local Target store also carries it, but I'm not sure all do - it is in their "pharmacy" dept, not with the other soap.

**Scorpio Rising** 5/26/2020, 5:56 pm

OhioGardener wrote:If you have a natural foods store, such a Whole Foods, or a health food store, they will have Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap. Our local Target store also carries it, but I'm not sure all do - it is in their "pharmacy" dept, not with the other soap.

Kroger’s has Simple Truth version of various Castile soap scents as well...

Luke Allen 5/26/2020, 8:57 pm

Much thanks for the advise on my problem with squash bugs. As far a
Kroger food store the nearest to me is about 200 miles. Thanks anyway.
Amazon is my answer.

Luke

**sanderson** 5/29/2020, 4:16 pm

Hi, Luke

I've always loved your avatar, by the way. I use Dr. Bronner's Liquid Peppermint Soap. The scent is a bonus. Razz

Luke Allen 5/29/2020, 6:54 pm

Thanks for the soap. Maybe the bugs will smell better also. Again thanks for taking the
time to reply.

Luke

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