Insect & Pests
All Insect & Pests Content

Pesticide Personal Protective Equipment: Glove Selection
Safety gloves are one of the most-important pieces of pesticide personal protective equipment. Glove material is very important, as not all materials provide the same protection for different pesticide ingredients.

No Documented Sightings of Asian Needle Ants in South Dakota
Despite reports from major news networks citing that Asian needle ants are in South Dakota, we have no evidence that the ant is established or has ever been documented in the state.

Survey of Grasshoppers in South Dakota
Fact sheet on the abundance and species diversity of grasshoppers in South Dakota

Tree Pest Alert
From seasonal issues and timely recommendations to disease diagnosis and expert advice, the Tree Pest Alert is a trusted resource for selecting, planting and caring for trees and shrubs all year round.

Aster Leafhoppers Showing up in South Dakota Wheat
Aster leafhoppers are present in wheat again this spring. For the last few years, aster leafhoppers have been a common occurrence in South Dakota wheat.

Don’t Forget To Scout for Aphids in Wheat
Aphids are present in South Dakota wheat fields, and that means it’s time to start scouting.

Monitor Alfalfa for Pea Aphid Activity
Pea aphids can cause yield reductions to alfalfa when large populations are present. Prolonged feeding by these populations can even cause the alfalfa fields to take on a “golden” color.

Malathion receives special local needs approval to treat red sunflower seed weevils in South Dakota from July 15 to August 31, 2025
The request was submitted and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency due to the large populations of red sunflower seed weevil present in South Dakota that are resistant to pyrethroid insecticides.

Start Scouting for Common Stalk Borer Activity
Enough degree days have accumulated in some areas of South Dakota for common stalk borer caterpillars to start moving to corn end rows.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 5, 2025
In the southern counties of South Dakota, degree day estimates indicate that common stalk borer caterpillars are beginning to move from weedy hosts along field edges into corn fields.