From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Elkins, WV

Howdy all,
Our squash vines too heavy damage last year. Has anyone tried chickens for control of squash vine boring beetles? I have several of them and the setup for electric fencing. Any experiences would be appreciated.
Phil C.

3/21/2005 11:50:45 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Chickens will not be a good option for the Squash Vine Borer. Although they will eat alot of the Cucumber beetles and young weeds once the plants are well established. We would watch ours as the raced threw the pumpkin patch. The do alot of damage if left unattended, so i would not recommend fencing them in with the plants.

3/21/2005 12:04:18 PM

Mill Creek West by god Virginia

doc phill welcome to the world of giant pumpkin growing!and just yell if ya need anything im trying my best to promote giant pumpkin growing here in west virginia!so once again welcome! keith barrett

3/21/2005 11:37:17 PM

Buffalo, Minnesota

I would not recommend it myself, i have chickens and when they find a pumpkin boy do they do some damage, as for the vine borrer moths they may like them but i dont think they would do anything for the squash bugs as they do have a sour smell to them, prabably keep them on the other side of the electric fence!

5/4/2005 1:10:00 AM