Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Inspect the base of the main stem for holes or orange debris.
- Look at the undersides of leaves for clusters of small insects.
- Check for sticky residue on the foliage.
Likely causes
Squash Vine Borer
Most likelyHow to tell: You will notice sudden wilting of the entire plant or specific vines, often accompanied by sawdust like frass near the base of the stem.
What to do: Slice the stem vertically where the frass is visible to remove the borer larva. Mound moist soil over the wounded stem to encourage new roots to grow and support the plant.
Aphids
Most likelyHow to tell: These tiny, soft bodied insects cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves, causing them to look distorted or sticky.
What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Find out what's wrong with your winter squash
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
If the main stem is completely severed or hollowed out by borers, the plant will likely die. Minor aphid infestations are normal and usually manageable.
Stopping it coming back
Rotate your crops every year and use row covers early in the season to prevent moths from laying eggs on your plants.
Winter Squash: pests? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your winter squash and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with borers?
- Yes, if you catch them early. Removing the larva and burying the stem often helps the plant recover.
- Are aphids harmful?
- They suck sap and can spread viruses. It is best to wash them off as soon as you see them.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Winter Squash
- Why is my winter squash plant drooping suddenly?
- What are these white spots on my winter squash leaves?
- Why are the leaves on my winter squash turning yellow?
- Why are my winter squash leaves curling?
- Why are my winter squash leaves getting brown tips?
- Why are my winter squash leaves falling off?
- Why is my winter squash not producing flowers?
- How do I fix root rot in my winter squash?
- Why is my winter squash plant growing so leggy?
Back to the Winter Squash guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.