This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Squash bugs absolutely get on tomato plants, and they can cause serious damage if left unchecked.
These pests don’t just stick to squash and pumpkins, they’ll happily move onto tomatoes when their preferred food sources run low or when they’re looking for new places to lay eggs.
If you’ve ever spotted a grayish-brown bug crawling along your tomato stems or hiding under the leaves, you’ve probably encountered squash bugs on tomato plants.
The good news is that you can protect your tomatoes with a little know-how and some consistent effort.
In this post, we’ll cover why squash bugs get on tomato plants, how to spot the damage, and the best ways to keep them away.
Why Squash Bugs Get on Tomato Plants
Squash bugs get on tomato plants for a few key reasons, and understanding these reasons helps you stop them faster.
1. They’re Opportunistic Feeders
Squash bugs love cucurbits like zucchini, cucumbers, and pumpkins, but they’re not picky eaters.
When those crops are harvested or start to die back, squash bugs on tomato plants become a common sight because the pests are hunting for their next meal.
They pierce stems and leaves with their needle-like mouthparts and suck out the sap.
That’s why you’ll often notice squash bugs on tomato plants toward the end of summer when garden pickings get slim.
2. Tomatoes Offer Ideal Shelter
Tomato plants grow dense and bushy, which makes them the perfect hiding spot for squash bugs.
The broad leaves and thick stems give these pests plenty of shade and protection from predators.
Females also love laying their eggs on the undersides of tomato leaves because the foliage keeps the eggs safe until they hatch.
So even if you’ve never planted squash, squash bugs can still find their way to your tomatoes.
3. They Overwinter Nearby
Squash bugs overwinter as adults in garden debris, mulch, and even under nearby rocks or boards.
When spring arrives, they wake up hungry and start searching for food.
If your tomato plants are the first lush greens they find, that’s where they’ll go.
This is why early detection of squash bugs on tomato plants matters so much.
How to Spot Squash Bugs on Tomato Plants
Knowing what to look for makes all the difference when squash bugs get on tomato plants.
1. Check the Undersides of Leaves
Adult squash bugs are flat, grayish-brown, and about half an inch long.
They cluster together, so if you find one, you’ll usually find more.
Nymphs are smaller, with gray or greenish bodies and black legs.
Flip over your tomato leaves regularly, especially in the morning when the bugs are less active.
2. Look for Bronze or Yellow Spots
When squash bugs feed on tomato plants, they leave behind tiny yellow or bronze spots on the leaves.
Over time, these spots grow and the leaves start to wilt or curl.
Severe feeding can cause the whole plant to look unhealthy and produce fewer tomatoes.
3. Watch for Egg Clusters
Squash bug eggs are small, oval, and laid in neat clusters, usually in a V-shape pattern.
They’re often bronze or reddish-brown and attached to the undersides of leaves.
If you spot egg clusters, remove them immediately before they hatch into hungry nymphs.
How to Get Rid of Squash Bugs on Tomato Plants
Getting rid of squash bugs on tomato plants takes a mix of prevention and direct action.
1. Handpick and Destroy
The simplest method is to pick squash bugs off your tomato plants by hand.
Drop them into a bucket of soapy water, which kills them quickly.
Check your plants every day, and don’t forget to crush any egg clusters you find.
2. Use Row Covers Early
Floating row covers keep squash bugs from reaching your tomato plants in the first place.
Just make sure to remove the covers once your tomatoes start flowering so pollinators can get in.
3. Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of your tomato plants.
It dehydrates squash bugs that crawl across it, and it’s safe for people and pets.
Reapply after rain or watering for the best results.
4. Encourage Natural Predators
Tachinid flies and spiders are natural enemies of squash bugs.
Planting flowers like dill, fennel, and marigolds attracts these helpful predators to your garden.
They’ll help keep squash bugs on tomato plants under control without any chemicals.
5. Clean Up Garden Debris
At the end of the season, remove old vines, leaves, and mulch where squash bugs like to hide.
This stops them from overwintering and coming back to your tomato plants next year.
So, Do Squash Bugs Get on Tomato Plants?
Squash bugs do get on tomato plants, and they can cause real damage if you ignore them.
They feed on the sap, weaken the plant, and lay eggs that hatch into even more hungry bugs.
The key is to catch them early, remove them by hand, and use preventive measures like row covers and natural predators.
With a little vigilance, you can keep squash bugs off your tomato plants and enjoy a healthy harvest all season long.