borer worms

**adalynn** · 06-21-2010, 04:42 PM

If it's not one pest, it's another!!! Now I have borer worms in my squash & zucchini.

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-22-2010, 10:59 AM

I hate those. Sometimes, if you act fast, you can slice the stems open lengthwise and kill them. You have to check every day for new worms. I've been able to save plants this way.

**Dancing Lotus** · 06-22-2010, 11:00 AM

worms got my onions! You have my sympathy.

**Ali Lee** · 06-22-2010, 01:40 PM

I just pulled up my radishes last night. Worm rings thru out... and good grief-something is eating my petunia waves!!!!!!!!!!

**frugalfranny** · 06-22-2010, 04:07 PM

I am not sure what you are talking about...........I tried to google it but no pics came up............can you describe it?

Have to be sure and watch for them. With our very mild winter and now, all the rain, I will have every bug known to man this summer. Have already noticed it to some extent.

I have heard of the 'flying ant' looking critter that bores down through the center of any plant with a woody stock. It lays its eggs in the center....and then it leaves the plant...they (eggs) must feed on the soft part of the stem. When I caught one and took it to the master gardeners they said it was a raspberry borer.

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-22-2010, 06:41 PM

This is what the damage looks like: Backyard Gardening Gallery - Squash Vine Borer - Powered by PhotoPost

More info, pictures of the adult bugs: Squash Vine Borer Management in Home Gardens

Your first signs are wilted leaves, and small spots of spongy yellowish pulp at the base of the leaf stalks. Look carefully, it may be under the stalk.

**adalynn** · 06-23-2010, 10:13 AM

I'm under seize!!!!! Every morning I get 1 or 2 out of my vines. Scared I may lose them. I am cutting the vine length wise until I find him, remove & KILL with no mercy. Then I bury that portion of the vine to prevent infection & encourage root growth. It does seem to save the steam if you bury it, so maybe I will make it.

**frugalfranny** · 06-23-2010, 08:06 PM

Thanks for the info CH.......very informative.....that is some horrible damage they can do!

Hate to jinx myself........but....haven't had them.........with all our moisture, this could be the year......

hope not!

**PB&J** · 06-23-2010, 08:44 PM

I found some of these in my squash plants today! I read this thread yesterday and thought, Hmm..maybe that is why my squash is going all limpy. They looked find, then the next day some of my plants were limp and then the next day, they were obviously dead. I cut 4 plants and found worms in 3, I covered them back up with dirt so we'll see if they live.