Squash vine borers feed on squash, pumpkin, gourds, cucumber, and muskmelon. Adult squash vine borers are clear- winged moths that glue her eggs in place on the stem or leaf stalk one at a time. Squash vine borers in the larval stage, damage squash plants by boring into the vines and crown. Infested plants are wilted and unproductive and may die. Sawdust-like excrement or “frass” coming from holes in the vines are evidence of attack.

The emerging larvae enter the stems just above the soil line.  Once larvae enter a plant, nothing can be done to save it. Damage usually occurs before the insect is seen. Squash vine borer populations are higher later in the summer so early planting can prevent much of the damage. Also, plantings in late summer or fall usually helps to escape vine borer infestations. Squash vine borers survive the winter in dead squash vines. There are usually two generations a year.