Sudden wilting of a vine and sawdust-like excrement coming from holes in the stem are evidences of attack. The hind legs are fringed with black and orange hairs, and markings of similar color occur over much of the abdomen. The moths are day fliers and are often mistaken for wasps. Larvae are white, heavy-bodied, and considerably over one inch long when fully grown. The insect winters in soil as a larva or pupa enclosed in a cocoon.
Moths emerge in early summer and lay eggs on the stems of the plants.
In South Carolina, there are two generations. So you see, early planting is the best way to avoid vine borers. The earlier you harvest, the more squash you will get. Your plants are going to be infested with borers once they emerge from their overwintering sites. Once they arrive, your only effective control option is weekly sprays of insecticides.