Skip to main content

Insect & Pests

All Insect & Pests Content

Bean leaf beetle feeding damage on young soybean plants.

Bean Leaf Beetles Active in South Dakota

Soybeans in South Dakota are being targeted by the overwintering population of bean leaf beetles. See our latest activity report from around the state, along with scouting and management recommendations.

Alfalfa weevil larvae and adult.

Alfalfa Weevil Larvae Are Active in South Dakota

Alfalfa weevil larvae have been confirmed in alfalfa fields in South Dakota, which means it is time to start scouting fields more regularly. Learn some tips and consideration for scouting your fields.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 26, 2022

Throughout the state, all alfalfa fields should be scouted weekly to ensure that large populations of alfalfa weevils do not cause excessive defoliation like what we observed in 2021.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 18, 2022

At this point in the season, all alfalfa fields should be scouted weekly to ensure that large populations of alfalfa weevils do not cause excessive defoliation.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 26, 2022

Many areas in South Dakota have reached peak emergence for the second generation of seed corn maggots, while others are still approaching it.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 18, 2022

At this point in the season, no scouting is necessary for common stalk borers, but many areas of the state are reaching the point where weeds along field edges should not be managed for the time being.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 12, 2022

The forecast for the next week will continue to be favorable for the development of alfalfa weevils. See our latest recommendations for staying ahead of them.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 5, 2022

One of the insects we monitor for using degree day accumulation is the alfalfa weevil. With warmer temperatures in the upcoming forecast, the need to scout for alfalfa weevil activity will increase.

Left: Adult honey bee. Right: Bicolored striped-sweat bee

Beneficial Pollinators: Honey Bees and Bicolored Striped-Sweat Bee

With temperatures increasing in South Dakota, expect to see an increase of beneficial pollinators searching for blooming plants. Learn about two important pollinators, the honey bee and the native bicolored striped-sweat bee.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 26, 2022

Not much has changed in terms of degree day accumulation for common stalk borers since last week. Cold low temperatures prevented most of the state from accumulating very many degree days.