Avoid using mulches and clean up any debris around plants to eliminate shelter for squash bugs. Practicing crop rotation can greatly reduce their numbers as well. However, rotations will not completely keep squash bugs from showing up because of their ability to fly in from other sites. If you have infestations every year, consider using an early trap crop such as blue hubbard squash. Squash bugs tend to colonize the first suitable host in the environment, and a trap crop can serve as a lure that can then be treated and destroyed to greatly reduce squash bug populations. Simple fertilizing and watering of cucurbits is also advantageous, as it will make the plants more tolerant to feeding injury.
Early detection is the key to managing a potential squash bug infestation is early detection. When plants are young, check the stems and leaves for egg clusters and crush any that are observed. It is impossible to eliminate all of the eggs this way, but it is a good preliminary strike that helps reduce populations later in the year. As the season progresses, continue to watch for nymphs and check cucurbits for wilting or discolored leaves, as these are signs of a possible infestation.
Physical removal of squash bugs may be effective if only a few plants are infested. For heavier infestations or if more plants are affected, insecticide treatments are recommended. Insecticides should be applied early in the season to manage nymphs because the adults are more resilient and difficult to kill. Several products can be used for squash bug management including carbaryl (Sevin), permethrin, and spinosad. For best results, make sure to get good coverage on the undersides of the leaves where squash bugs typically like to hide. If plants are flowering, be aware of pollinators and try to apply insecticides in a manner that does not directly harm them.