Squash Beetles

I've had several calls about squash beetles this week.  The squash beetle is native to the eastern US and is a member of the lady beetle family.  While most lady beetles are beneficial, eating plant pests like aphids, the squash beetle feeds on the leaves of cucurbits such as squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, musk melons and water melons.  Squash beetles feed on the undersides of the leaves often creating a skeletonized effect.   

The mature squash beetle is similar in shape to most beneficial lady beetles but the squash beetle is larger (about 3/8 inch long compared to (1/4 inch for most beneficial species).  The squash beetle is yellow in color and has seven black spots on each wing cover.  The larva of squash beetle are yellow, oval and have rows of long, forked spines on the back. 

Squash beetles can be controlled by handpicking in small plantings.  The best time to look for squash beetles is around noon, pick the beetles off the plants and dump them in a bucket of soapy water to drown.