Ladybug look alike
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Ladybug look alike

by Sean
(Lake Grove, NY, USA)

Ladybug imposter

Ladybug imposter

Hi
This bug has caused damage to my zucchini year after year, thinking it was a ladybug I was to late in treating it--This year I've spotted a few already, Can I get rid of this bug without a heavy pesticide, Thuricide is only good for moth type worms ?

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Ladybug look alike

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Squash beetle
by: Moni

Well, you are correct that it does look like a ladybug. The squash beetle (Epilachna borealis) is one of two beetles in the lady beetle family that feed on plants. The squash beetle feeds on cucumbers, squash, and melons. The other is the Mexican bean beetle that feeds on soybeans as well as green beans.
For control, clear crop vines and residues after harvest and till the soil. Next, you can use floating row cover to keep the beetles off...the catch is to let pollinators in. And you can always hand pick and drop into a container of alcohol or soapy water. Rotenone can be used and is considered 'organic' ... better to use early in season.
Commercial growers in the NE United States use a parasitic wasp, but it does not overwinter and is expensive to use.
Good Luck!

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