Organic/natural methods for killing squash bugs

[GldnValleyHens]

I am planning to grow cucumbers, pumpkins, and heirloom melons, but all my past crops have been killed either right away or eventually, by the wicked, disgusting squash bugs. I tried a basic H mixture which killed them if sprayed liberally, but it didn't work overall and my cucumbers succumbed to them. Any proven-effective methods out there for preventing and killing these guys? We grow organically so pesticides aren't allowed. Thanks

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I'll only grow organic veggies, too, and look forward to suggestions on what to do.

 

[BantyChooks]

Sleep out there with a flyswatter.

Sorry, no real advice, but I'd be interested in a solution too.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I don't know what H mixture is...

Have you tried food grade diatomaceous earth?

People SWEAR by it for use against pest on their chickens which a use I personally refuse to subject my birds to. But for a veggie garden why not?

 

[Dayrel]

I don't know what H mixture is...

basic pH mixture...

 

[Folly's place]

What do the commercial organic famers do?
My chickens eat a lot of insects in the garden, and didn't bother the vines at all. they would eat ripe squash, so fencing them out later would be good.
Planting bush varieties and covering with row covers?
Mary

 

[Percheron chick]

I have never dealt with squash bugs but I've my fair share of ruined gardens from bug infestation. My fix has been to put my chickens to work in the garden starting when I put it to bed in the fall. I will hand turn a small area, let the girls work it for a few days and as weather and ambition permit, turn some more. They will make a few laps around the garden by spring. In the spring, I break out the tiller and completely turn everything over 3-4 times over a 2-4 week period. By the time I start planting, they have enjoyed a variety of larvae, adults and other treats. I would lose my entire tomato crops to grasshoppers before chickens no matter what chemicals I sprayed on them. Haven't needed to apply any pesticides since they showed up.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Another technique is to not plant the same plant in the same place two years in a row.

 

[SueT]

Make a spray w a peppermint soap solution, I've found it helps. You need to reapply if it gets washed off by rain or irrigation....

 

[Dayrel]

Another technique is to not plant the same plant in the same place two years in a row.

Tried that with my tomatoes. Blight both times. Same with broccoli and cabbage moths. Limited usefulness at best.