• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Worms-Eating-Zucchini-Stems-THUMB.jpg

Worms Eating Zucchini Stems

Last year I had a worm/grub in the stalk of my zucchini plant. They eventually killed the plant. What can I do to prevent this from happening again?

Sqaush vine borers are the culprits. The adult is a day flying moth that lays its eggs at the base of the stems of zucchini and other squash plants. The eggs hatch and the worm-like insects enters the stem and feeds inside. This prevents the flow of water and nutrients between the leaves and roots. Check the stem for tiny brown eggs. Smash any that you find. You can try to save borer infested plants. Slice the damaged stem lengthwise until you find the borers. Kill the borers and bury the stem. It will often re-root (it may already have) beyond the damage allowing the plants to finish out the growing season. Or prevent the adults from laying their eggs on your plants. Some gardeners report success wrapping the plant stems with an old nylon stocking. Always remove and destroy vine crops in the fall. Sanitation will help reduce next year’s problem. You can also try an insecticide labeled for treating this insect on vegetables. Spray only the base of the plant to avoid harming the bees and other desirable insects. Treat when plants start to vine and once a week for 3 to 5 weeks. Be sure to read and follow all label directions.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW