Insect & Pests

All Insect & Pests Content

Ants on a sidewalk next to some green grass.

Ants Preparing for Another Busy Year

A wet growing season last year combined with a mild winter has boosted ant activity across the state, and we have already received numerous questions from both curious and concerned residents in South Dakota.

Sprayer in a field with a blue sky and wispy clouds on the horizon

Apr 15

Private Applicator Training for Crops

SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training for crops on April 15, 2026, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT (12:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT). Participants have the option to attend online or at various locations across the state.

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.

a handfull of sunflower seeds with small holes in the shells on a white table.

Differentiating Insect Damage to Sunflower Seeds

This publication covers different insect damage characteristics to sunflower seeds.

A reddish-brown Hessian fly with long black legs and beaded antennae resting on a plant.

Hessian Flies in South Dakota

This fact sheet covers the identification, life cycle and management options for Hessian Flies in South Dakota.

Parasitoid wasp with an orange abdomen and dark brown head and thorax.

Wheat Stem Sawfly Parasitoid: Bracon cephi

This fact sheet covers the identification and lifecycle of a parasitoid wasp species in South Dakota that attacks Wheat Stem Sawfly larvae.

A yellowish-orange beetle with black squares along the back resting on a green plant.

Bean Leaf Beetles in South Dakota

This fact sheet provides an overview of the biology of the Bean Leaf Beetle and management options for South Dakota.

A long slender black and yellow bug with smoky gray wings and long antennae.

Wheat Stem Sawflies in South Dakota Wheat

This fact sheet covers the identification, lifecycle and management of Wheat Stem Sawflies in South Dakota.

Two young women observing a group of sheep in a holding pen.

Managing Sheep Keds

Sheep keds (Melophagus ovinus) are blood-sucking external parasites that can significantly impact sheep production.

South Dakota Pest Management Guides

The South Dakota Pest Management guides are now available for free. The guides offer recommendations for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases in a variety of South Dakota crops.