How Do I Get Rid of Vine Borers?

Question

Last year we had vine borers in our zucchini plants. They killed them. What can I put in the ground to kill them and not be toxic?

Answer 1

For the vine borers, there is no cure to get rid of them other than to not plant squash for a few years. But in my own garden, I have a problem with vine borers and you can do things to minimize their damage.

The most common method is to check daily for their tell tale "bore holes" at the base of the plant. They will be small holes with what looks like sawdust below them. When you see the holes, you use a light on the vine to find the borer and stab it with a toothpick through the vine.

The method I use that is less labor is to spray my squash weekly with neem oil. It is a systemic organic pesticide, which means it actually gets into the plant's system and kills the borers when they bite the plant but it is very safe for people, pets and good bugs. It works well for me. Here is more information on neem oil: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm