Have you noticed tiny dark gray-brown insects on your crops? I don’t want to be the one who brings bad news, but they are in real danger! Those insects you’ve spotted are so-called squash bugs, and they can be way more dangerous than you might think.
A few years ago I almost lost all of my summer squash to a horrible invasion of these insects. Unfortunately, there were a few pumpkins that didn’t make it to the harvest, but luckily I was able to save the rest of my crops!
Right after I saved them, I knew that my squashes were still in trouble. I immediately started researching squash bugs and tried to find as much information as I could! That’s when I found out that these annoying pests will continue to return every year if I don’t stop them.
So I took a deep dive into finding the most effective tricks to drive them away! I was lucky that day because I discovered some natural ways for repelling these pests in a very short time. My crops needed help right away, so I tried these tips, and the results were shocking!
Not only have I removed squash bugs from my garden, but they haven’t come back for years now. Since the fall is coming to an end, it’s important that you start driving them away so they won’t have a free pass into your garden next year!
Let’s see all the tricks I’ve prepared for you that will keep your delicious crops safe season after season.
Prevent Squash Bugs From Overwintering With A Little Cleanup
Every garden needs a little cleanup now and then, right? But cleaning your garden in the fall can actually benefit you a lot! You’ll need to keep your yard tidy and remove plants that are already affected by squash bugs by pruning the leaves.
You can also rake the fallen leaves in your backyard and check all the spots under the rocks or pots where squash bugs may be hiding and handpick them!
By cleaning your garden this fall, you’ll make sure that no squash bugs remain. Your crops will be safe and sound during winter and in the upcoming year!
Improve Your Soil With These Ingredients
This is for sure one of the most effective steps in driving squash bugs away! When your plants are healthy, they become more and more resistant to all pests and diseases. That’s why improving your soil plays an important role.
All you need to do is amend your soil with a little bit of compost at the end of the season. This will provide your crops with all the nutrients that make them stronger! For compost, you can use natural ingredients such as leaves, coffee grounds, fruit scraps, eggshells, or straw.
Bring Natural Predators Into Your Garden
Now, this is going to be the most interesting trick for repelling squash bugs if you love being surrounded by birds!
Natural predators such as birds will help you remove every single squash bug from your crops. To bring these little garden helpers into your yard, you’ll need to get feeders and birdbaths. Once they spot them, birds will be your everyday guests all season long!
If You Want To Stop Squash Bugs From Landing On Your Crops, Do This
Squash bugs usually start to appear on your crop leaves and lay eggs behind. That can lead to a bigger disaster, a real invasion! Then your crops won’t be able to survive. But there’s an excellent way to stop that!
All you need to do is install row covers over your crops. It’s best to lay row covers when your plants enter the dormant season. Once they start to bloom again, remove the covers!
Pair These Plants Together Near Your Crops
There are a few plants that squash bugs can’t stand. Planting catnip, marigolds, nasturtiums, and bee balm is your golden ticket to freeing your garden from squash bugs!
Pair them together near your crops and let them do their magic. Besides repelling pests, they will make a stunning display in your garden with their colorful blooms!
With the help of these amazing tips and tricks, you’ll be able to stop squash bugs from ruining your garden next year!
What’s best about these methods is that they are natural, so no harsh chemicals are included. Everything you’re doing in your garden, whether it’s composting, fertilizing, or repelling pests away, should be natural and eco-friendly!
I already checked all of my crops, and squash bugs are nowhere to be found. Wish I had discovered these tricks sooner, but better late than never! Well, now I think it’s your turn to take action and say goodbye to all the squash bugs in your garden.
Good luck!