The moth is often mistaken for a bee or wasp because of its movements, and the bright orange hind leg scales.

The squash vine borer is native to North America, with some reports as far south as Brazil and Argentina.

BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) bacteria may be injected into the base of the stem using a syringe, to attempt to kill the larvae, ideally while still small.

A small utility knife and tweezers, or other fine tools, may be used to gently cut open the stem and try to extract the larva.

Some gardeners choose to place a yellow bowl filled with water and a drop of liquid dish soap to attract and drown the adult pest, a method which also provides feedback on the current level of infestation.

Experienced gardeners watch the stems for signs of frass protruding from small holes, which is an indicator of the presence of the larva inside.