Some have reported good results with aluminum foil strips wound snugly around the stems. But the paper tubes would be too loose I think.

The larvae can just crawl right under them and into the stem as they are much bigger diameter than the stems. Since the stems are hollow they tend to snap over easily from just wind so the edge of the cardboard could increase that problem.

Worth a try maybe but I don't think I'd count on it too much. JMO

Dave

Actually, when I've used aluminum foil, it's been with bush varieties and I only laid it down, around the plant's base, flat.. The idea was that the reflection somehow confuses the moth. Anyway, this is far from scientific, but my experience has been, in three occasions I used this, that particular plant did not suffer from squash vine borers. I'd have to do this a number of times more, over a couple more years' time, before I would conclude that this is indeed what did the trick.

George
Tahlequah, OK

{{gwi:77603}}

Squash Vine Borer Wars
Note the aluminum foil girdle on my zucchini plant. Will it work? I dunno but,
I'll try anything that doesnt come out of a bottle first!

I just read that it confuses the moth that lays the eggs, so she doesn't lay them. anything is worth a try to me! I don't use chemicals. You might as well buy your veggies at the store if you use them.

I read that baby powder does the same thing, but I have not tried it yet.
I read this on Garden Web.

didn't help