What Are Those Strange Insects? Squash bugs! October 21, 2009
Posted by bsciencecenter in Uncategorized.5 comments
What do they look like?
Large (5/8 inch long x 1/3 inch wide), winged, brownish black with some gray or light brown, flattened back.
Where are they found?
They are found in Canada, Central America, and throughout the United States. Squash Bugs live in large populations and are typically found during the spring in gardens (they travel there to mate and lay eggs) and in fall (seeking shelter from cold temperatures). Their habitat includes the shelter of dead leaves, vines, or the boards of a house in the fall and winter.
What do they eat?
They have a sharp beak-like mouth that is used to suck the juices from particular plants. The Squash Bug especially loves squash and pumpkins. Their mouth folds under their body when they are not eating.
Why are they called the Squash Bug?
Even though they love squash, the name comes from the odor they give off when they are crushed. This odor is an animal defense that stops mammals and birds from eating them. (PLEASE DO NOT CRUSH!)
Are they harmful?
To humans, NO! But they are a problem for plants. They damage plants by removing the juice from the leaves, causing the plant to wilt and collapse. They can also inject certain bacteria into plants and vegetables by sticking their mouth into the plant they eat.
How do you remove the Squash Bugs?
Call Ms. Pavlicek to remove them! Just kidding!
It is extremely hard to get rid of a population of insects. They lay numerous amounts of eggs that are difficult to find. The only way to remove them is by hand. Boards can be placed where the insects are commonly found. The insects will gather there for shelter and then can be removed.
Certain types of squash and plants that are resistant to the insect can also be planted to replace infested ones.
