The evil squash bugs are creating havoc in our patch. Well, that and the really rainy month of June, possibly. I have lots of vines. Not so many pumpkins, this year. There have been lots of bees and butterflies around the flowers, but not a lot of the female (fruit attached) blossoms. Not much I can do about that. However, I am declaring war on the squash bugs (and eggs). The wilted leaves in the top left photo are caused by their damage. The bugs will destroy the vines and move on to gnaw holes into the fruit.
Their scientific name is Anasta nistis DeGeer. Looks like A nasty nemesis in de Rear to me. After some research, I have decided to treat with food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE), keeping it off the blooms as much as possible so it won’t harm the bees.
As always, watching the fruit develop is interesting! Photos were taken after I did emergency treatment with DE.
A few decorative gourd vines are inter-twining with the zinnias, making for some spectacular blossoms and blooms.
Watching the butterflies is also relaxing.
After the pumpkin patch, it was home to make peach pie. Why do I feel like this post is sounding precariously like a Sesame Street episode?
Today’s episode was brought to you by the letter P.
Thanks to Mom and Dale for the peaches. Have a positively perfect day!
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Here’s a link if you are looking for information regarding your own patch: Squash Bugs .
Just Make the Coffee 
Seeing pumpkins coming around makes me REALLY excited for Halloween!!! (Fall is my favorite!) 🙂
It is definitely a season to savor!
Great photos! Sorry about the bugs, but “can you tell me which of these things don’t go with the other?” Ha ha
Exactly!! I had so many tunes running through my head. 🙂
I do so enjoy your pictures and comments. Thank you.
Thank you! I’m glad you visit the blog!
I am glad to see you liked my answer to your comment on my blog “Pumpkins week 3” about what we use to protect against those pesty bugs. I hope it is not to late for your pumpkins, “DE” works best if used when planting and before the plants begin to wilt and become invested with eggs. I do so hope it will help your crop. I am glad I could be of some help by sending you in hopefully the right direction.
Have you ever tried spraying with a little Dawn dish detergent mixed with water? It only works on the ones you actually can “hit” with the mixture, but I’ve heard good things.
No, but it sounds like it would be worth a try. Love Dawn!!
peach pie! yum. I could break out into song you know about the letter P.. c
Ah yes! It was such a good day, despite the pesky predators.
I remember how annoying those things were when we had squash. Your pie is lovely! The gourd bloom looks like an alien next to the zinnia. 🙂
They sure do a lot of damage. I rotate patches, too, trying to help and burn the dead material after harvest! Oh well, it still makes for an interesting patch of the country.
I had to google those little suckers. Horrible! I hope that DE works. Sesame St .. You are funny! Love that pic btw. Good luck with those bugs 😊
Suckers is right! They literally suck the life right out of the vines. I’ll keep the blog updated with progress (or lack thereof).
I love the butterflies too 🙂 I have to stop whatever I’m doing and watch them until they are out of sight 🙂
Thanks for visiting!! Hard to be unhappy when watching butterflies dance.