Insect & Pests

All Insect & Pests Content

Caterpillar with brown and black stripes running down the length of its body. The caterpillar has a tan head and is feeding on green plant material.

Army Cutworms Are Active in South Dakota

Army cutworms can rapidly reduce winter wheat stands if large populations are present. See our latest management recommendations based on observations from around the state.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 4, 2023

With warmer temperatures during the last week, there was an increase in the accumulation of degree days for alfalfa weevils. See our latest observations from around the state.

Emerald Ash Borer Life Cycle in South Dakota

This fact sheet is a general description of the emerald ash borer life cycle in South Dakota.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 27, 2023

As temperatures warm up, degree days will accumulate more rapidly, and alfalfa weevils could quickly become an issue. See our latest observations from around the state.

A yellow beetle with a black head, and square black markings on its back standing on a soybean leaf.

South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality: 2022-2023

With bean leaf beetle emergence rapidly approaching, it’s important to start thinking about early-season management of the overwintering population. View our latest recommendations based on observations from winter 2022-2023.

corn field with sunrise in the background

Best Management Practices for Corn Production

iGrow Corn is your unbiased, research-based guide to corn production, providing the latest recommendations to help increase yield, reduce input costs and protect your investment.

Veterinarian and horse owner inspecting a horse.

Winter Ticks Showing Up on Horses

Ticks aren’t only active during the growing season in South Dakota. Winter ticks can be commonly found on horses and cattle. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing them before they become a problem.

Know Soybean Cyst Nematode, Numbers Matter!

Have you noticed parts of your soybean field turning yellow earlier than expected? Are some of the plants stunted or showcasing a roller coaster appearance? Soybean cyst nematode may be to blame.

Illustration of a stable fly, horn fly and face fly.

Fly Control Considerations for Cattle on Pasture

Along with being irritants to livestock, horn flies, face flies and stable flies are economically important to producers due to their negative impacts on milk production and calf weaning weights.

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus can be a problem in both field and greenhouse situations, and most frequently its effects in South Dakota are observed on tomatoes and peppers.