Insect & Pests

All Insect & Pests Content

Small, reddish-orange beetles on a green sunflower bud with a larger grey beetle also present.

Red and Gray Sunflower Seed Weevil Identification

While scouting sunflower, it’s not uncommon to observe both red and gray sunflower seed weevils on the same developing head. Differentiating these two species isn’t difficult, as there are obvious size and coloration differences.

Mosquito resting on a dandelion seed head.

West Nile Virus Update: Aug. 2, 2021

As of Aug. 2, 2021, the South Dakota Department of Health indicated that West-Nile-virus-positive mosquitoes were detected in Brookings, Codington, Hughes, Lincoln and Brown counties in South Dakota.

Small, brown insect with tail.

Springtails Are in My Home

During the last few weeks, we have been receiving an increased number of questions regarding very small insects that jump very far. It didn’t take long to determine that the hordes of small insects are springtails.

Red-brown colored weevil with bent antennae originating on the elongated mouthparts.

Red Sunflower Seed Weevils Are Active

Red sunflower seed weevils are active in South Dakota sunflowers. We noticed that many fields at R5 stages are already being sprayed, but scouting should still continue in those fields after application, and it should begin for fields that will reach the R5 stage within the next week.

Adult twospotted spider mites crawling on webbing that is attached to a leaf

Two-Spotted Spider Mite Populations Reaching Threshold

Drought conditions have continued and worsened in much of South Dakota during this season. As a result, two-spotted spider mite populations have been present in most fields and have recently had large population growth in soybean fields throughout the state.

Brown snailcase bagworm cases on the white underside of a jar lid.

Snailcase Bagworms in South Dakota

A unique insect that has been observed in South Dakota is the snailcase bagworm. Snailcase bagworms are wingless moths that spend their entire life in spiral-shaped “snail” cases, which they build around themselves using a combination of silk, soil particles and fecal matter.

a black beetle covered in a white substance

Gray Sunflower Seed Weevils

Gray sunflower seed weevils have been spotted in sunflower fields this week. Although they are a non-economic pest there are times when they can have population outbreaks and reduce sunflower yields.

A beetle with an orange head.

Zonitis Bilineata on Sunflowers

While scouting sunflower last week we noticed beetles that were present throughout the field on the developing buds. These beetles weren’t feeding on the buds or the bracts that they were often on. So, what were they doing on the sunflowers?

A group of people in a soybean field with white insect nets

SDSU Extension to Offer Integrated Pest Management Field School Online

July 30, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension will kick off its 13th annual Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Field School Aug. 1.

Cream mite on a green-colored caterpillar.

Straw Itch Mites

Straw itch mites, also known as hay mites or grain mites, can be a major problem when present in hay or grain. The best way to avoid a straw itch mite infestation is to keep commodities at low moisture levels and bale straw when it is thoroughly dry.