Because adult squash bugs overwinter in plant trash, field sanitation is important to control this pest. Registered insecticides should be sprayed on the underside of leaves to control young nymphs when they first appear. Both the striped and spotted cucumber beetles can be a problem on pumpkins when pumpkins first emerge. These beetles transmit bacterial wilt, which can cause severe losses later in the season. Registered insecticides should be applied as soon as plants emerge.
Wilted vines can also be a sign of the squash vine borer.
Sawdust-like excrement can often be seen coming from holes in the stem near the soil line. Pupae of this borer overwinter in soil and emerge about the time vines begin to run. Small, black, wasp-like moths emerge when the pupae split, and lay eggs on the base of the stems. Larvae hatch in about one week or two, then bore into the stems. Registered insecticides should be applied before and during the egg hatch.