What's eating my zukes?

[garden5]

I can't believe it, just after reading this thread yesterday, I came across my first squash bug. Well, at lease I know what do now .

[GardenJester]

I have eggs on my zuke and squash leaves. Should I just wash it off with soap water? Will the insecticide soap sold in the stores kill the eggs? will washing the eggs off the leafs be enough to kill it, or should I remove it entirely from the garden? thanks for any help.

[applestar]

If you've found the eggs, rub them off the leaves with your fingers, gloved hand, etc. (all in all I prefer bare hands so I can feel them and know I've got them) Squish them, smear them on to something, wash off into a cup of soapy water, feed them to your tropical fish... ANYTHING! Just don't let them hatch on your plant! (I.e. remove entirely from the GARDEN)

I prefer not to spray when I can see and catch the pest (and eggs are usually too slow to run, hide, or fly away )

[LindsayArthurRTR]

feed them to your tropical fish.

Now, THAT'S an idea!!!

[GardenJester]

good suggestion, but what I am trying to get to was, is it sufficient just wash the eggs off the leaves? even should it hatchs on the ground, the larva would die from lack of food or be eaten by some predator like ants?

[applestar]

ANYTHING! Just don't let them hatch on your plant! (I.e. remove entirely from the GARDEN)

Personally, I wouldn't count on them not being able to find their way back, especially with nymphs of bigger bugs. Ants can find their own food.