Till soil in late winter to expose overwintering insects. Rotate squash to another location in the garden each season. Destroy vines that have been killed to break the life cycle. Plant as early as the weather allows since borers do not emerge until early summer. It also feeds on other cucurbits, such as winter squash, watermelons and pumpkins, but usually does little damage.
Pickleworm damage occurs when the caterpillars tunnel in flowers, buds, stems and fruits.
They prefer the fruits. At times, damaged fruits cannot be recognized until they are cut open. Damaged fruits are not edible. Flowers, buds and sometimes entire plants may be killed. In South Carolina, pickleworms starve or freeze to death during the winter.