Insect & Pests
All Insect & Pests Content
SDSU Extension welcomes new pesticide education specialist
October 12, 2023
South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Stephen Robertson as a new Pesticide Education Field Specialist.
Yellowjackets: Swarming decaying produce or garbage near you
Fall is rapidly approaching, and if you have a garden, fruit trees, or outdoor dumpsters, you are likely to encounter yellowjackets in search of food. Learn some expert tips to avoid getting stung this fall.
What’s chewing on my kale?
Cabbage white caterpillars can be a nuisance in kale and other cold crops, leaving behind ragged-looking leaves and a significant amount of droppings. Learn some expert tips for identifying and manage them before they take a bite out of your harvest.
Don’t Let Grasshoppers Decrease Your Yields
Throughout the 2023 growing season, grasshopper populations have been causing problems. Those problems aren’t over yet, and we won’t be able to stop monitoring grasshopper activity until the crops are harvested.
Grasshoppers May Cause Problems for Winter Wheat During Fall 2023
As winter winter begins emerging, it is important to monitor field edges for grasshopper activity and feeding injury. This is especially true in areas where large populations have been observed throughout the summer.
Grasshoppers Causing Headaches in South Dakota Gardens
Grasshopper populations are causing extensive defoliation around yards and gardens in our region this summer. Learn some important considerations for scouting populations and applying insecticides if needed.
Striped Cucumber Beetles Are Active in South Dakota
South Dakota is home to two species of cucumber beetles that can cause severe injury to cucurbits, including squash, cucumbers, melons and pumpkins. Learn how to detect and manage both beetles before they impact your harvest.
Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimate: June 16, 2023
Squash vine borer moths will soon emerge across much of South Dakota, and their larva can cause serious damage to squash plants. See our latest activity predictions and management recommendations based on forecasted conditions from around the state.
Slugs: The Slimy Defoliators
Have you noticed defoliation in your garden accompanied by distinct trails on plant leaves? The culprit could be slugs, a common pest that can be found during during cool, wet weather and in certain garden micro-climates.
Malathion: Emergency crisis exemption for red sunflower seed weevil in South Dakota from Aug. 16-31
An emergency crisis exemption for Malathion has been approved for red sunflower seed weevil control in sunflowers in South Dakota from August 16-31, 2023. Learn everything you need to know before applying it to sunflower crops before the deadline.