Only one generation occurs each year, but because of the extended egg-laying period, adults and nymphs are present throughout the summer. Small boards or shingles placed near plants provide a nighttime gathering place for squash bugs, which can be removed and destroyed in the morning. Other cultural practices which lessen damage from this bug include proper fertilization for a vigorous crop, destruction of crop debris, and growing resistant varieties such as Butternut, Royal Acorn, and Sweet Cheese. Carbaryl and endosulfan have a 0 day waiting period and esfenvalerate requires 3 days between last application and harvest. Spray when nymphs are small.
Young nymphs are the most susceptible stage to insecticides, while adults are difficult to kill.
As do all true bugs, they suck with the needlelike mouth parts, extracting plant juices from stalks, leaves or veins. Damage is first visible as irregular light areas around the feeding site, then plants become stunted or wilt, turn brown, and die. This stage overwinters among plant debris, emerging in the spring to feed then lay eggs. Barrel-shaped, black and white eggs are laid in double row clusters. Nymphs are oval shaped with coloration similar to adults, but are smaller and wingless.