These insects feed primarily on squash and pumpkins. Adults and nymphs suck plant sap from the leaves and stems causing wilting and death. Squash bugs overwinter in protected places as unmated adults. They appear rather slowly in the spring. Adults mate and begin laying clusters of eggs about the time the squash vines begin to spread.
Eggs are bronze-colored and are laid in clusters of a dozen or more on the leaves.
They hatch in about 10 days into nymphs that go through five molts before becoming adults in four to six weeks. Expect only one generation per year. There is only one generation per year. Early planting usually results in a crop before the infestation kills the plant. Collect eggs and nymphs by hand and destroy.