Insect & Pests
All Insect & Pests Content
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 16, 2024
South Dakota finally warmed up and as a result, alfalfa across the state should be scouted for alfalfa weevil larvae.
Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 8, 2024
No scouting is necessary for common stalk borer activity based on current degree days. Across South Dakota, the young common stalk borer caterpillars are active in alternative weed and grass hosts.
Dying Patches in Your Pasture? Make Sure You Don’t Have White Grubs.
There have been an increasing number of reports of pastures with dead areas showing up this spring. A little digging into these areas has revealed that part of the problem is the presence of true white grubs, which are the larva of June beetles.
Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 9, 2024
With the cool, wet start to the 2024 season, it is important to consider the possibility that seedcorn maggots could cause issues for crop seedlings
South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality: 2023-2024
Every year we evaluate the overwintering success of bean leaf beetles in South Dakota. At emergence, the overwintering population of bean leaf beetle adults will move into soybean fields and begin feeding on the seedlings.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 9, 2024
Although May hasn’t been extremely warm, the accumulated degree days in South Dakota since January 1, 2024, suggest that alfalfa weevil larvae could be active in several areas of the state.
Learn about your backyard’s natural resources with SDSU Extension
May 01, 2024
Lawn and garden enthusiasts are invited to attend Backyard Natural Resources, a new four-part webinar series from South Dakota State University Extension.
South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2024
In 2024, grasshoppers are likely to cause problems in areas of South Dakota due to large populations that were present in 2023 and the relatively late first hard freeze date observed in much of the state.
Keep an Eye on Black Grass Bugs This Spring
In South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring pest of forage grasses. This native insect first appears in late April and May when grasses emerge from dormancy.
Organophosphate Insecticides Under Continual Review by the Environmental Protection Agency
Recent moves by the EPA to limit or prevent the use of organophosphate insecticides present challenges for growers seeking effective pest control. So, what is motivating these changes, and what do they mean for producers?