Insect & Pests
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How to Avoid Being Dinner: Preventing Tick and Mosquito Bites
Summer is here, and so are the opportunities to enjoy the long days and warm weather. Ticks and mosquitoes share the outdoors with us, and there are things you can do to prevent bites from both.
Protecting Yourself From Ticks
During wet springs, tick populations tend to thrive in South Dakota. These parasitic arthropods require blood to fulfill their nutritional needs and commonly use humans as a host. Some ticks can also carry bacterial diseases that are a threat to human health.
Enjoying the Outdoors Without Tick and Mosquito Bites
Outdoor activities seem extra inviting this time of year, and many people are already enjoying the long days and warmer temperatures. Ticks and mosquitoes share the outdoors with us, but there are things you can do to prevent bites from both.
Ticks Becoming Active in South Dakota
The arrival of spring in South Dakota means warmer weather and more outdoor activities. However, it also brings an increase in tick activity.
What Are Those Little Flies That Keep Biting Me?
If you have been swarmed and bitten by small black flies this year, you’re not alone. The culprits of these bites are commonly referred to as black flies or buffalo gnats. The reason we are noticing so many in 2019 is likely due to favorable spring conditions that included a lot of moisture.
Know Your Mosquitoes to Protect Yourself
Mosquito trapping efforts across the state in the last seven years showed that there are over 20 species of mosquitoes occurring in South Dakota, yet only two species dominate the surveillance data: Aedes vexans and Culex tarsalis.
An identification guide to common Ticks of South Dakota
A guide to identifying common ticks in South Dakota
Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 5, 2024
In southern South Dakota, enough degree days have accumulated for common stalk borer caterpillars to begin moving from alternative hosts into corn. Fields should be monitored for leaves with signs of defoliation.
Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: June 5, 2024
Peak emergence of the second generation of seedcorn maggots is occurring in a few areas of the state. The rest of the state is between the second and third generation emergences.
Don’t Forget to Scout Canola for Flea Beetles
Canola emergence is well underway and ahead of emergence at this time in 2023. There are three species of flea beetles that commonly infest canola and feed on the leaves.