The squash vineborer is a diurnal species of sesiid moth.For this reason, it is considered a pest that attacks cultivated varieties of squash, zucchini, pumpkin, and acorn squash. VineBorer Causing Zucchini to Suddenly Die. If you have zucchini leaves wilting, it's probably the vineborer. These are larvae of a moth. This technique can prevent vineborers from entering the plant and develops a strong root system when growing squash so the borers struggle to kill squash and zucchini plants. Growing your zucchini vertically like this can improve pollination and fruit production, reduce powdery mildew and eliminate vineborers from killing your plants. The squash vineborer is a common and destructive pest of squash, pumpkins, zucchini and gourds. Cucumbers, melons and butternut squash are not generally affected by squash borers. There’s nothing quite so discouraging as watching a perfectly healthy zucchini plant wilt before your eyes, while you stand by, helpless. If you have trouble with vineborers, I’ve got good... squash vineborer larvae. Controlling VineBorers. Gardeners should inspect their squash and zucchini plants now for signs of borers. After reading the accepted answer on the question "Is something wrong with my zucchini plant?", I've come to the conclusion that it is in fact a vineborer which has invaded my zucchini. Avoid the nuisance of vine squash borers with our straightforward guide. Protect your squash and zucchini and watch them flourish without pest issues. If you grow zucchini and squash, you’ve probably lost many plants over the years to squash vineborers. Well, at long last, here comes the calvary! I did not see any adult vineborer moths, but I found a big fat larva in the dead plant’s stem. I tore out the dead/dying plants. While yellow squash and zucchini were out for the count... Squash vineborer damage, photo by University of Maryland Extension. SO, what to do? If you see the adult moths flying around, start checking the base of your zucchini plants. (left) Zucchini damaged by squash vineborer; (right) healthy zucchini.The adult squash vineborer is a colorful moth, 5/8 inch long with orange and black legs. The squash vineborer is a pest to look out for if you're growing zucchini, pumpkin, or squash in your yard.
