squash beetle

Question

It was recommended to plant squash later in the summer. I live in N. Arizona and can plant in mid June. I had the worst squash beetle infestation last summer. Killed everything. Neem oil didn’t work. Should I plant later in summer?

Answer 1

Yes, it is a good idea to plant later in the summer (as late as possible for your region) to avoid the worst of the squash bug damage. They feed mostly during the first half of the summer, so late season crops will not be damaged as much:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/squash-bugs/
https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/squashbugs2011.html