Expert: Mike Mascio - 8/18/2008

Question
How do I keep the darned moths that lay eggs in the tube-stems and kill the plants? How do commercial growers do it?  thanks..angie

Answer
Anne, what you are describing is the squash borer. Commercial growers spray heavily with harsh chemicals. Although this effective, I opt for organic measures in my home garden.

Squash borers are very common pests for all members of the squash family. These pests boar into the base of the vine, and eventually spreads a disease that causes the plant to slowly wilt near the base, and eventually die. Depending on how far it has traveled within the stem, it is not always easy to locate them. Unfortunately, once the borer does its damage, there is little chance for the plant to survive. The good news is that the fruit that has already set will continue to ripen and can be harvested.

There are a couple of preventive measures you can take in the future. The first is to cover the plants with reemay while they are just seedlings. Reemay is a lightweight, spun-woven fabric that lets in air, water, and sunshine, but keeps out insects and pests. It is commonly sold at garden centers as floating row covers. Just be sure to remove the covering once the plant begins to flower to enable access by bees for pollination.      

The second option is to wrap your stem with aluminum foil. Many gardeners do this routinely with much success. I would personally recommend covering the plants when young, and then wrapping the stem once the plant begins blooming.  Attached is a website that will give you additional information on the squash borer.

http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/2000/2153.html

I hope this information helps. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.  

Regards,  

Mike