Stem borers that affect squash can be controlled. Q: I have a medium to large backyard garden in the Riverview area. Over the past three years, I have successfully grown potatoes, ...

Q: I have a medium to large backyard garden in the Riverview area. Over the past three years, I have successfully grown potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, okra, peanuts, tomatoes, peppers, ...

After examining more than 500 different grasses, Khan settled on Napier grass, which attracts stem borers and then, when the insects try to eat it, emits a gummy sap that kills them.

Several types of stem borers are known to infest. There really is no practical control, but a trained eye might notice small entry holes drilled into the sides of affected stems on close inspection.