Squash bugs in my garden

[Buff-Island-Australorp]

I'm at a loss on getting my Squash Bug (not stink bug) problem under control in my garden. I haven't lost any plants in the garden yet, but I know I will eventually. My garden is not fenced, and I only let the chickens out while I'm out to watch them in the evenings.
They haven't really discovered the garden yet, but I was wondering if chickens eat these little monsters, and if anyone else has ever turned their chickens loose to feed on them, yet monitoring them so they don't eat up the plants and vegetables. (i know, i know....easier said than done) I have a few toads in the garden I see all the time, and apparently, they don't eat em.
Any suggestions would be great!!

 

[AKsmama]

Honestly, it's very tough to get chickens out of the garden once they discover the yummies in there. I suppose if you're willing to stand by and monitor, you could try. Me, I'm waaaay too lazy

Good luck!

 

[HEChicken]

They won't eat JUST the bugs - they enjoy a good salad as much as anyone.

 

[SallyF]

My chickens would eat the squash bugs, but only after the bugs had killed the plant and I pulled it up out of the ground and threw it in front of the chickens. They just didn't seem to notice them when wandering through the garden.

 

[16Conservationist]

Coming from a gardener's stand point and only a newbie at having chickens, I don't think the chickens would be a good control for the squash bugs. They really multiply quickly, hang on under the leaves and in little folds, and when first hatched, are really, really little. I've always had to resort to chemicals and repeated applications of those. I of course would then be careful of letting the chickens in the garden for a few days. All chemical labels list the number of days before you can eat after spraying. I'd add a few days cause you're bigger than a chicken and the label is for humans.

As a side note -- add a bit of soap to your spray mix. It helps coat things better and makes the spray a bit more effective.

 

[briteday]

My chickens have never been interested in squash bugs, ever. But I've heard that guinea hens will do a good job with garden pests.

 

[Two Creeks Farm]

I walk my flock of turkeys through the garden daily. They sure do a great job of snatching bugs!! The chickens on the other hand......

Usually squash bugs (not the techy name for them) can be controlled by a pesticide applied during planting. I just plant tons and dont use pesticides but sometimes it is your only option.

 

[Fred's Hens]

There are also organic pesticides as an option.

 

[serenityNH]

I'm with you, I HATE squash bugs

and the cucumber beetles are now on my hit list too. Can only hope my chickens develop a love for them!

 

[Buff-Island-Australorp]

Thanks ya'll for the comments.
It's tough work both ways....managing my 9 rebel chickens and managing the garden. The garden is fairly large (30 x 60) and alot of work. I darn sure didn't plant it to feed those nasty little squash bugs, but apparently, I'm having trouble evicting them.
I have pesticides to spray and I've sprinkled sevin dust on them, and found a few dead ones.

Two Creeks.....I like your style of just planting more than you need. They can have some, and I can have some I guess.