Insect & Pests

All Insect & Pests Content

Spraying pesticides on vegetable plant
Mar 18

Private Applicator Training for Specialty Crops

SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training for specialty crops on March 18, 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.

tall trees in the Black Hills

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.

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.

Green winter wheat field

Crop Hour

SDSU Extension will deliver a series of virtual Crop Hour webinars January 7 to February 27, 2025, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. CST.

sun rising over South Dakota field

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.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Jan 06 - 07

Southeast Research Farm Seminars @ Dakota Farm Show

Join SDSU Extension for a series of educational presentations during the Dakota Farm Show from January 6-7, 2026, at the USD DakotaDome (1101 N Dakota St, Vermillion, SD 57069).

Rows of empty white, plastic pesticide containers.

Private Applicator Training for Pesticides

Private applicator certification is required before an agricultural producer can purchase or use a restricted use pesticide.

Young farmer analyzing data on a tablet computer beside a crop sprayer.
Dec      Feb 03 - 28

2026 Commercial Applicator Training Online Course

SDSU Extension partners with DANR to offer pesticide certification program required for commercial applicators. The 2026 online course will be offered through Traininghouse and will be open from December 3, 2025, through February 28, 2026.

A red sprayer in a green field with a cloudy sky in the background.

Commercial Applicator Training for Pesticides

Those who apply pesticides for hire or as a government employee that applies pesticides while performing work duties, must have a commercial applicator license.

Cream colored larva that has an accordion shape and a brown head in the stem of a sunflower.

Dectes Stem Borer in South Dakota Sunflowers

Factsheet covering Dectes stem borer in sunflowers.