white bug infestation...what is this?

11 years ago

Hi all, I have recently discovered an infestation of unidentified white bugs (see photo) on my squash, zucchini, and cucumber plants. Almost every leaf has one of the bugs on them, and the ground is harboring what appears to be their offspring. Parts of all those plants are dying, and the dead, browned leaves of each are covered in white.

--Are the bugs and the dying related?

--Anyone know what kind of bugs these are?

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Comments (6)

jean001a
11 years ago
What kind of damage are they doing?
stephany130
Original Author
11 years ago
Well, like I said, I'm not sure if they are doing the damage or not, but parts of the plants are dying and some of the leaves are covered in white. There are so many of them that I can't imagine they're beneficial, or even neutral, but then again I'm pretty amateur yet. If only I knew what they are...
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kimpa zone 9b N. Florida.
11 years ago
They are probably squash bugs. You should start by removing them as you find them.
stephany130
Original Author
11 years ago
Oooh, you are right! I just googled "white squash bug" ... and there they are. Thank you :)
stephany130
Original Author
11 years ago
Oooh, you are right! I just googled "white squash bug" ... and there they are. Thank you :)
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
Those are the nymphs of the common squash bug. I didn't recognize them until kimpa identified them. Be sure to look up pictures of the adults so that you will recognize them.

You might want to consider an application of insecticidal soap just after the sun has gone down SOON. It sounds like you have quite a population of them and that product will help you gain control. Get the upper hand, so to speak.