Insect & Pests

All Insect & Pests Content

Eight green beetles in the top portion of the image and seven yellow beetles with varying black stripes in the bottom portion of the image.

Corn Rootworm Adults Are Emerging in South Dakota

It’s that time of the year when corn rootworms begin emerging in South Dakota. Learn some expert tips for monitoring populations in corn fields to determine if management is necessary.

Seven people stand at a distance in a green field. The sky is blue with a large cloud stretching across most of the horizon

The South Dakota State University West River Research Farm to host Field Day on July 11

July 07, 2023

The South Dakota State University West River Research Farm Tour will be held on July 11 near Sturgis, South Dakota, running from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Orange and yellow zinnia flowers.

Beneficial Flowers for Organic Vegetable Production Systems

Learn about a wide variety of flowers that can be planted in guard rows among vegetables to attract beneficial insects and reduce pest pressure in organic vegetable gardens.

White wheat head on an otherwise green plant.

Wheat Stem Maggots Observed in South Dakota Wheat

When scouting wheat, the presence of bleached heads is often the result of feeding activity by wheat stem maggots. Learn some expert tips for identifying this pest and recognizing its activity in wheat.

Left: Black silage tarp spread out over a research plot. Right: Clear tarp spread out over a research plot.

What is Soil Tarping and Why is it Used?

Soil tarping is a technique that uses large tarps to cover a growing space in order to reduce weeds and improve soil health before planting. Learn some expert insights into two commonly used soil tarping strategies.

Squash vine borer moth on plant.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimate: June 21, 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.

Kristine Lang and Rhoda Burrows look at some plants with two men inside a high tunnel

The South Dakota State University Southeast Research Farm to host Field Day on July 11

June 30, 2023

The South Dakota State University Southeast Research Farm Field Day will be held on July 11 near Beresford, South Dakota.

Left: Common asparagus beetle adult. Right: Twelve-spotted asparagus beetle adult.

Asparagus Beetles Active in South Dakota

Two insects that we recommend scouting for in asparagus are the common asparagus beetle and the twelve-spotted asparagus beetle. Learn how to identify and manage both before they cause serious issues in your garden.

Beetle with white elytra with black stripes. Head and thorax are orange. Thorax has two black spots present on it.

Three-Lined Potato Beetles Are Eating My Tomatillos!

Three-lined potato beetles can cause issues in tomatillos, ground cherries, potatoes, and tomato plants Learn how to identify and manage them before they impact your garden produce.

A wheat stem sawfly with long antennae, smoky wings, and black and yellow coloration.

Wheat Stem Sawfly Adults Observed in Northwestern South Dakota

Wheat stem sawfly adults have been captured in northwestern South Dakota. The observation of this pest can be used to determine areas where solid-stem wheat varieties should be considered.