This bug may have been 3 inches long, with long black wings, just like that of a squash vine borer, but it's body was all black with one wide bright orange strip going across the middle area of the bug. I think it was squash vine borer moth, it definitely flew away after it landed and stared me down for a few minutes. I almost started to leap on top of it to kill it, but I figured the thing would fly in my face and bite me because I would miss. It's identical to the squash vine borer, so maybe a malfunction at birth discoloring him? It's not the lady bug larvae, it was a full grown moth wasp type insect. A big ugly one at that. Thanks for the reply! I've got my eyes and ears open. It will come again while I have a camera in my hand, I hope.

I have the same problem...a 10x12' plot only allows for about 6 plants...I can't plant more and have tried in pots but they don't last long (even huge pots.) I've tried row covers, wrapping bottom of stems in nylon stockings, tin foil, plastic cups and so on...NOTHING WORKS. Last year, was the year I said this will either make or break me! I discovered BENEFICIAL NEMATODES at 'garden's alive.' You pre order them and they send them when ever they are ready...they need to be put in the garden that very day or the next...they are live eggs. I wait until we are in the 60 degree range. it may take a few weeks for the order to be filled so be aware! ANYWAY, I mixed them in a watering can and watered my garden and the surrounding area with these nematodes...they are small worm-like creatures that actively seek out beetles and their larvae...they will even infect the mother moth if they can...and drill into her body and eat her alive (ick). Results aren't overnight, because they are live infecting creatures and (totally organic.) I call it biological warfare. Last year, my zucchini's lasted until the frost (they always die by the first week in august with vine borers despite my diligence.) I have always gotten more than 50 zucchinis over the years, two years ago I got a few because of the borers...After using the nematodes, last year I had only 1 plant become infested with SVB in late july, but the other's were ok. The ones in the pots were infested because all of the rain drowned the poor nematodes right out the bottom (they also had ground cover over the dirt and wrapped over the stems but still the SVB got it. Unfortunately last year was the worst year to test the theory because we had 4 heat-waves (several days of over 100 degrees) and lost the entire spring (mar-jun) to torrential rain...we are in New England so these conditions aren't normal. I only got 1 squash last year but the thing was that the plants were vibrant, and healthy and never wilted! Unfortunately due to the weather stress, they only produced male flowers (even after I pollinated them daily with a soft paint brush.) BUT that one squash was harvested in OCTOBER...well beyond the life of any squash plant I or my neighbors have ever grown!!! I will definitely try the nematodes again but after this super-harsh winter of 2013-2014, I have no idea what to expect from summer weather. Good luck and I suggest nematodes in late spring and then another dose in early July to be sure!!!

Control of Squash Vine Borers and Squash Bugs is multifaceted, there is no one method, substance, or other means of control that is 100 percent effective. Nematodes can help, for the larva that are in soil where the nematodes dwell, but they are of little value if the eggs are laid on the plants and the larva stay on the plants. Floating Row Covers, early on, can help, providing a good habitat for predators of these wee buggers can also help, insectaries. Very carefully using any pesticide, most will kill any beneficials, is also of importance. Here is a link that might be useful: Squash bug control

Sandy thanks for your reply. No groundhogs oe deer in my neck of the woods. No action in the trap last night but I doubt it was the ccon also. I did relocate it though. I am leaning towards squirrels, rats or fieled mice. But my next door neighbor runs a wildlife santuary and has lots of owls living all around me, so i usually don't see any mice,rats or rabbits...bu then again neighbor lets lots of unwelcome critters loose that walk over to my yard and think they have found a free buffet.I wish owls ate squirrels. They are a huge problem. Got some in my attic right now and have tried all kinds of ways to make them leave with no luck. They can do damage up there.