Biology and Management of Squash Vine Borer in the Garden

A drawing of green squash plant showing the white caterpillar insides the stem, the adult moth on the leaf and flying, and the pupa in the soil.
Figure 1. An illustration of the squash vine borer lifecycle. Courtesy: Mary Foley Benson, USDA; Property of the Smithsonian Institution, Department of Entomology, Bugwood.org

Originally Submitted: September 23, 2022

There are many insect pests that are cause for concern to gardeners across the state of South Dakota. Squash vine borers (Melittia cucurbitae) are clearwing moths that belong to the family Sesiidae within the order Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies).

The larvae are considered serious pests of pumpkins, zucchini, squash, and other winter squashes, and infestations can result in severely reduced productivity and plant health.

This article will highlight the biology of the squash vine borer as well as ways to manage populations.

Squash Vine Borer Biology

Lifecycle

Squash vine borers have one generation per year and undergo complete metamorphosis (i.e. egg, larva, pupa, and adult) (Figure 1).

In South Dakota, squash vine borer adults typically begin to emerge between late June through early July. Emergence of all squash vine borer life stages can be calculated by degree days, which can be found in a previous article listed below (Reference 1).

    A reddish orange and black insect with black and partially clear wings laying eggs onto a plant.
    Figure 2. Adult female squash vine borer laying eggs on a plant. Courtesy: Brantlee Spakes Richter, University of Florida, Bugwood.org

    Once mated, adult females search for host plants in order to lay eggs on the stems (Figure 2).

    Larvae emerge after approximately 10 days and almost immediately bore into the interior of the plant stem.

    Squash vine borer larvae remain in the stem and feed continuously until maturity, which can take around one month.

    Mature larvae exit the host plant and drop down into the soil, where they overwinter as pupae.

    The pupae remain in the soil until the next summer, when the adults emerge to begin the lifecycle again.

    Identification

    Adult

    A reddish orange and black insect perched on a green plant. The insect has a reddish orange abdomen with a black dot on each segment.
    Figure 3. A squash vine borer adult resting on a plant. Courtesy: Ansel Oommen, Bugwood.org
     

    Squash vine borer adults have metallic green front wings and clear hindwings that mimic wasps.

    They are approximately ½ inch in length with an orange abdomen and legs. The head, thorax, and antennae are black, with additional black dots on the abdomen (Figure 3).

    Egg

    Reddish brown eggs laid singularly on a plant stem.
    Figure 4. Reddish brown squash vine borer eggs. Courtesy: Pollinator CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia.org
     

    Squash vine borer eggs are round and reddish-brown in color. They are approximately 1 millimeter in length and are laid singularly in loose clusters.

    Eggs can be found on the stems of host plants (Figure 4).

    Larvae and pupae

    A creamy white larva with a light brown head inside of a plant stem.
    Figure 5. A squash vine borer larva within a butternut squash stem. Courtesy: Brantlee Spakes Richter, University of Florida, Bugwood.org
     

    Squash vine borer larvae are wrinkled and creamy-white in color. They have a distinct brown head and can grow up to 1 inch in length when mature (Figure 5).

    Squash vine borer pupae aren’t commonly seen, since they remain underground. They are brown in color and are approximately ¾ of an inch in length.

    Feeding Behavior and Injury

    The squash vine borer larvae are the damaging life stage. The larvae tunnel into the plant stems, where they continuously feed on tissue. This type of feeding cuts off nutrient and water flow from the feeding point onward, which can have serious effects. Some damaging side effects include wilting vines, reduced yield, increased chances of diseases, and even plant death. Signs of squash vine borer infestation include entry holes on the stems with greenish-yellow frass (excrement) around the entry area (Figure 6).

    A creamy white larva next to a hole where it had previously been feeding.
    Figure 6. Feeding damage to a pumpkin vine caused by a squash vine borer larva. Courtesy: Jim Jasinki, Ohio State University Extension, Bugwood.org

    Management

    Ways to manage current infestations:

    • Remove and destroy plants that have been killed off by squash vine borer. Make sure to discard plants in the trash and away from the garden area.
    • Add moist soil around stem joints to promote new root growth. This will increase the plant’s chance of survival in the event the main stem has been infested.
    • Scout plants for evidence of larval feeding. If observed, cut a lengthwise slit into the stem, remove, and destroy larva. Place soil over the stem once the larva is terminated.

    Ways to prevent infestations:

    • Apply a residual insecticide spray labeled for squash vine borers at the base of host plants when moths are emerging (mid to late June). Remember to always read the label and follow instructions on use. Also, follow all label instructions regarding necessary PPE (personal protective equipment).
    • If there have been previous infestations, grow host plants in a different area.
    • Cover plants with floating row covers. This can help keep newly-emerged squash vine borer adults off plants.
    • Plant at a different time or stagger planting dates of common host plants.
    • Plant less-susceptible host plant varieties (ex: butternut squash, crookneck squash, cucumbers).
    • Remove and/or discard plants at the end of the season to get rid of any remaining larvae.

    References

    1. Varenhorst, A., A. Bachmann, P. Rozeboom, P. Wagner, and S. Pritchard. 2022. Squash vine borer activity estimates: April 29, 2022. South Dakota State University Extension.
    2. Eric Middleton, Biology and management of squash vine borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), Journal of Integrated Pest Management, Volume 9, Issue 1, 2018, 22.

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