What To Plant To Keep Squash Bugs Away

To keep squash bugs away, plant companion plants that repel them, like radishes, nasturtiums, marigolds, dill, and catnip.
 
These plants either mask the scent of your squash or attract beneficial insects that prey on squash bugs.
 
If you’ve been battling squash bugs every summer, you know how frustrating these pests can be.
 
They suck sap from your plants, cause wilting, and can wipe out an entire crop if left unchecked.
 
But here’s the good news: you don’t need harsh chemicals to keep squash bugs away.
 
You can plant specific companion plants that naturally deter them and protect your garden.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to plant to keep squash bugs away, how these plants work, and how to use them effectively in your garden.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

What to Plant to Keep Squash Bugs Away

The best way to keep squash bugs away is by planting companion plants that repel them or disrupt their lifecycle.
 
Squash bugs are attracted to the smell and taste of squash, pumpkin, and zucchini plants.
 
When you plant strong-scented herbs and flowers nearby, you confuse the pests and make it harder for them to find your crops.
 
Here are the top plants to keep squash bugs away.
 

1. Radishes

Radishes are one of the easiest plants to grow and a fantastic choice to keep squash bugs away.
 
They release a strong scent that masks the smell of squash plants.
 
Squash bugs rely on their sense of smell to locate their favorite food.
 
When radishes are planted around your squash, the bugs get confused and move on.
 
Plus, radishes grow quickly, so you can plant them as a trap crop or a border around your garden beds.
 

2. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are more than just pretty flowers.
 
They’re a powerful companion plant to keep squash bugs away.
 
These flowers release a peppery scent that squash bugs hate.
 
They also attract predatory insects like ground beetles and spiders that feed on squash bug eggs and nymphs.
 
Plant nasturtiums around the base of your squash plants or let them trail along the ground as a living mulch.
 

3. Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic companion plant for keeping pests away, and squash bugs are no exception.
 
Their strong, pungent odor repels squash bugs and many other garden pests.
 
Marigolds also produce a substance called alpha-terthienyl, which is toxic to certain nematodes and insects.
 
Plant French or African marigolds around your squash patch to create a protective barrier.
 
They’re easy to grow from seed and bloom all season long.
 

4. Dill

Dill is another herb that works wonders to keep squash bugs away.
 
It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
 
These insects prey on squash bugs and their eggs, keeping the population under control.
 
Dill also has a strong scent that helps mask the aroma of squash plants.
 
Just keep in mind that dill can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, so plant it in moderation or in containers.
 

5. Catnip

Catnip isn’t just for cats.
 
It’s also a potent repellent for squash bugs and other pests like aphids and flea beetles.
 
Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which triggers a repellent response in many insects.
 
Plant catnip near your squash to keep squash bugs away naturally.
 
Be careful though, because catnip can be invasive and cats love to roll in it, which might damage young plants.
 

How These Plants Keep Squash Bugs Away

You might be wondering how planting a few flowers and herbs actually keeps squash bugs away.
 
It comes down to two main strategies: repellent scents and beneficial insect attraction.
 

1. Masking the Scent of Squash

Squash bugs find their host plants by smell.
 
When you plant strong-smelling companions like radishes, marigolds, and nasturtiums, you mask the scent of your squash.
 
The bugs can’t locate your plants as easily, so they move elsewhere to feed.
 

2. Attracting Predators

Plants like dill and nasturtiums attract predatory insects that eat squash bugs.
 
Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are natural enemies of squash bugs.
 
When you plant these companions, you create a balanced ecosystem where pests are kept in check.
 

3. Releasing Repellent Compounds

Some plants like catnip and marigolds release compounds that squash bugs find irritating or toxic.
 
These compounds deter the bugs from settling on your squash plants.
 
It’s nature’s way of keeping pests away without chemicals.
 

Tips for Planting Companions to Keep Squash Bugs Away

Now that you know what to plant to keep squash bugs away, here are a few tips to make it work.
 

1. Plant Early and Densely

Get your companion plants in the ground before squash bugs show up.
 
Plant them densely around the perimeter of your squash patch for the best protection.
 

2. Rotate Your Crops

Squash bugs overwinter in garden debris.
 
Rotate your squash to a new location each year and clean up plant debris in the fall.
 

3. Combine Strategies

Companion planting works best when combined with other methods like row covers, handpicking, and neem oil sprays.
 
Use these together to keep squash bugs away all season long.
 

So, What to Plant to Keep Squash Bugs Away?

To keep squash bugs away, plant radishes, nasturtiums, marigolds, dill, and catnip around your squash.
 
These companions mask the scent of squash, attract beneficial insects, and release repellent compounds.
 
With a little planning and the right plants, you can protect your squash crop naturally and enjoy a healthy harvest.
 
Happy gardening.