
Squash Vine Borers and What to Do if they Attack
How to Spot a Squash Vine Borer
White larvae with brown heads, squash vine borers measure up to 1" long. They attack pumpkin, squash, cantaloupe, cucumber, and gourd vines. A sure sign of these borers is a small pile of "sawdust" where the vine meets the soil. Squash vine borers damage and kill vines very quickly – once you notice "sawdust," it won't be long until the leaves wilt and the vine dies.
Squash Vine Borer Extraction
You might be tempted to slit the base of the vine with a razor blade and try to extract the borer larvae, but this will damage the vine size and productivity. Here are some alternative solutions that won't harm your vines.