How to Keep Squash Bugs Out of Your Garden

Squash bugs are common garden pests that overwinter in garden debris, like dead leaves and stems. When the warm weather rolls around, these bugs emerge and feed on new plant leaves, sucking out the sap and causing them to wilt, yellow, and eventually die.

As their name suggests, these bugs prefer squash—but they’ll eat other produce too, including pumpkins and melons. The good news? There are many ways to get rid of these pesky insects. Here, we share advice from a gardening expert and a pest control pro.

Clean Up Debris

You can prevent squash bugs before they even move in.

“[They] spend the winter in dead leaves, garden debris, or really anything left behind at the end of the season,” says Lindsey Chastain, gardener and founder of The Waddle and Cluck. “Clean this up before planting to reduce the number of bugs waiting to attack.”

However, there is a potential drawback to this method. “It’s good for the soil to leave some organic matter over the winter, so you may need to balance soil health with pest prevention,” she adds. One option is to leave some debris behind in non-squash beds, and only clear out the areas where you plan on planting squash.

Rotate Your Crops

Another way to keep squash bugs at bay is to plant your vegetables in a different spot every year. Crop rotation helps keep the soil healthy, Chastain says, but it also tricks any insects who are waiting for you to plant your produce in the same area as last year.

This method is effective because squash bugs tend to stay in the same spot. A good rule of thumb is to move your squash patch at least 15 to 20 feet from where you grew it last year.

Use Row Covers

You can also use row covers to keep squash bugs away. These work best when used early in the season.

“Once the plant flowers, remove [them], so pollinators can get in and do their work,” says Chastain. This method works because it provides a physical barrier, which stops pests from landing on the plants and laying eggs. However, you’ll need to stay on top of timing: “Leaving row covers on too long can block pollinators and reduce fruit production,” she adds.

Switch to Straw Mulch

You could also try switching to straw mulch so the pests don’t have a cozy place to hide. “Squash bugs love hiding in thick, moist mulch,” says Chastain. “Straw is less attractive to them.”

However, straw mulch does have a downside. It could mean more weeds—or cause the soil to dry out faster. Monitor it closely.

Try Companion Planting 

Marigolds and calendula are trap crops that can help keep squash bugs away. “I always plant marigolds with my vegetables because they’re great deterrents, but they also attract pollinators,” says Chastain.

These companion plants emit a scent that deters many garden pests, including squash bugs. However, it’s not a guaranteed solution and will work best when used in tandem with other methods.

Opt for Hand-Picking and Soapy Water

This method will kill squash bugs without using harsh chemicals. “Pick the adults off the plants by hand and drop them in soapy water,” says Nicole Carpenter, president of Black Pest Prevention.

While surveying your plants for squash bugs, make sure to check under the leaves every few days to scrape off any eggs. “There’s actually no store-bought pesticide that completely eliminates squash bugs because the adults are tough,” says Carpenter.

So while this method is labor-intensive, it does work, and you don’t need to worry about using harsh sprays in your garden.