Are your squash plants mysteriously dying?

During the first part of June (for Zone 7-8), there is a moth that lays an egg near the base of the squash plant. It is called a squash vine borer. The worm finds its way into the base of the plant and then travels up the stem, which is hollow. You can’t see him to kill him because he lives inside the stem. This can kill the plant in a matter of days. To thwart him, around June 1 spray the base of the plant from the ground up to 2-3 inches above ground with an insecticide. Repeat application after each rain, since the water will wash away the insecticide. Any synthetic pyrethroid will work. We carry Bifenthren and Permethrin. If you want to try an organic alternative, try an insecticidal soap. This is a type of liquid soap you can spray on plants. Be careful not to apply this when it is too hot – do it late in the afternoon or on a cool day. Pheromone traps may not be a viable option since the moth can lay an egg in the garden on its way to the trap. Another technique is to plant the squash as early as possible so that you can harvest the squash before the moths hatch.