Squash Bug Nymphs Overrun August Garden

The North Carolina garden in August is overrun with insects. Previously, I wrote about Squash Bugs and their devastating effects on squash plants. I have several friends that adhere to strict no pesticide gardening that lost their entire squash crop.

The nymphs of the Squash Bug are very active now. They hang about in groups on squash plants or remnants of the plants. While hoping for one last bit of yellow produce, I inadvertently provide them a wonderful habitat.

Good housekeeping will help curb the Squash Bug population for next year's garden.The adult bugs will overwinter in garden debris. Remove all dead plants and dispose of by burning or bagging. This is not good material for compost.

 Squash Bug Nymphs

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

I recently discovered an invasion of stink bugs on my eggplant and tomatoes. I was intrigued that my Audubon Field Guide only had the Green Stink Bug. In explanation, I discovered the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug arrived in the U.S. around 1998, and my book was a 1980 edition. Marmorated means marble-like or streaked. The Wikipedia page has a photograph showing more detail.

This invasive species originated in Japan, Taiwan, China and Korea. This agricultural pest pierces and sucks fruits and vegetables inflicting damage as well as spreading pathogens.

Interestingly, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug tries to overwinter in buildings. Once it gains access to a structure, it hibernates unless the building is too warm. Last Spring we stayed in a mountain lodge that had several of them on the ceilings.

This is the time of the year that bugs become aggressive in the garden, and the gardener must be equally aggressive. I’ll be treating my plants with a Sevin liquid spray or dust, and observe to make sure the stink bug population declines. Of course, if you have only a few bugs, they can be removed by hand.