need help identifying a bee?

Injun 6/29/2011, 6:21 pm

Not really a pest, but...

Out in the garden this morning, flitting around with the bumblebees was a large, what looked to be, red bee. It was dark red, maroon. It looked and acted like a bee, hovering and moving around the flowers. I've been searching online all afternoon, on bugguide.net, etc. No dice. Any takers? Sorry, no pic.

pattipan 6/29/2011, 6:48 pm

Sounds like a squash vine borer. They don't sting, but their larvae can kill a squash plant in less than a week.
need help identifying a bee? 623squash-vine-borer1

need help identifying a bee? 623squash-vine-borer1

It's actually a moth that flies during the daytime. Bad, bad bug. Known on this forum as the...
EVIL SQUASH VINE BORER. affraid

Start checking you squash plants for their eggs and be on the lookout its frass (a.k.a. excrement) coming from the lower stems of your squash plants. Do a forum search for more info, links and pictures!

If you see anymore get a covered tennis racket and kill a few for me!!!

pattipan

marc-in-pa 6/29/2011, 7:29 pm

Pattipan is right!

It's a Squash Vine Borer. It took out all of my entire zucchini and yellow squash last year.

Take evasive action. Search Squash Vine Borer or SVB in this forum... sad stories and plenty of advice.

**camprn** 6/29/2011, 8:09 pm

I saw one yesterday grrrr............
need help identifying a bee? 932742

Here is some more info about combating the SVB Twisted Evil

MarcyG 6/29/2011, 8:26 pm

They also took out all my squash and zucchini last year I'm ready for them this year

Injun 6/30/2011, 11:34 am

Thats it! Thats the critter! Thanks for the help, preventive maintenance on the way.

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