- 1). Maintain healthy plants. Irrigate and fertilize the appropriate amount for the size and variety of squash, pumpkin or cucumber you have planted. Healthy plants are less susceptible to insect damage.
- 2). Knock or pick adults and nymphs off plants. For small gardens and small infestations simply picking bugs off your plants and dropping them into soapy water can be highly effective according to the University of Minnesota. Wear gloves if you don't want to touch the pests.
- 3). Crush eggs. Eggs are easy to spot and usually on the undersides of leaves. Egg laying begins in June and you can check for eggs weekly beginning then. Crush them with your fingers, you don't want to damage the plant. Use gloves if you like.
- 4). Set traps. To catch the bugs you may not see during the day set boards or newspaper on the ground near your plants. During the night squash bugs will hide under the boards and newspapers. In the morning you can collect and destroy them.
- 5). Clean up debris. Squash bugs can overwinter in debris left in the garden after the growing season. Clean up anything that might offer a place to hide through the winter.
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