What are these things all over my squash?

[pebbles]

I am not very good at taking close up pics. I have search the web but cannot find out what kind of bug this is. It is about 1/4 inch long black with two horizontal orange stripes. When it moves it reminds be of a tram made up of two cars sort of long and jointed in the middle. They are all over my dying squash plants. I apparently had a water issue that has contributed to the demise of my squash palnts. The squash plants are COVERED with black aphids and flys and these black and orange bugs. I have never seen and of my garden plants covered with flies like the squash are. My tomato bed right next to the squash bed has no flys or these weird bugs.

I have two questions:
1. Can anyone tell me what kind of bugs these are?
2. How long should I wait and what should I do to prepare the soil for my winter crops?

Thank you all soooooo much for your help.

 

[vfem]

Looks like lady bug larvae to me! Going to town on some Aphids!!! YUM

 

[pebbles]

COOL.... Thank you VFEM. You are in my prayers for improving health also.

 

[momofdrew]

Looks like lady bug larvae to me! Going to town on some Aphids!!! YUM

yep I remember the first time I saw them I didnt know they were helpful...I learned to love seeing them every summer

 

[pebbles]

I feel SOOOOO much better!!!! Thanks for the reassurance.

 

[hoodat]

Lady bug larvae eat far more aphids than the adults do. The adults nibble, the larvae gobble.

 

[pebbles]

Yesterday I was cursing these little guys...today I am thrilled to have these wonderful little guys in my garden. What a difference aday makes