Insect & Pests

All Insect & Pests Content

White and red caterpillar feeding within silken hideout on green soybean leaf.

Thistle Caterpillars Observed on Canada Thistle

Although thistle caterpillars are normally first observed in July or August, it is possible for them to appear earlier if weather conditions are favorable. While these caterpillars are generally not present in high numbers, they can cause severe defoliation.

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

Corn Rootworm Egg Hatch Estimates

Corn rootworms overwinter in the soil as eggs and hatch in the spring when enough soil degree days have been accumulated. Based on soil degree day accumulations, most of South Dakota has reached 50% corn rootworm egg hatch.

Three images of a small fly on gray background and also present on a penny. For an in-depth description, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

Soybean Gall Midge Adults Captured in South Dakota

Although soybean gall midge adults have been captured earlier this spring in neighboring states, the first adults were captured in South Dakota on June 17. So far, our captures are low with one adult at two locations near Burbank and Meckling.

A small green corn plant that has been cut and is laying on the ground.

Cut Corn Plants Detected in South Dakota

Cut corn plants have been detected in South Dakota. The damage is due to black cutworm feeding. Although black cutworm caterpillars injure corn by feeding on leaf tissue, the serious damage occurs when caterpillar feeding results in the cutting of young corn plants.

Small white moth with a pattern of brown stripes on the wings.

What Are the Little Moths All Over My Lawn?

There have been reports of small, light-colored moths showing up by the thousands in people’s lawns. These moths have been identified as sod webworms, which are now emerging throughout South Dakota.

Moth with green metallic wings and an orange body resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borer Moths Are Active

Squash vine borer moths have been observed in South Dakota gardens. Now that we know they are active, it is important to take steps to ensure that they don’t have a negative impact on our squash plants.

Bed bugs grouped together where the fabric and wood join on a box spring.

Bed Bugs: What You Need To Know

When it comes to household pests, bed bugs can make almost anyone cringe. These tiny, vampire-like critters are pests of humans and can become a persistent problem when they infest homes.

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

Will Grasshoppers Be an Issue in 2021?

With much of South Dakota experiencing dry conditions this year, grasshoppers are one of the insect pests that will need to be monitored. Large grasshopper populations may cause economic loss in cash crops and reduce forage in range and pasture lands.

Soybean plants cut by cutworm caterpillars.

Dingy Cutworms Observed in South Dakota Soybean

Dingy cutworms have been reported in South Dakota soybean. Although they are not normally a major pest of soybean, dingy cutworms will often defoliate soybean leaves and can cause significant stand reductions by cutting plants.

Flea Beetles Still Feeding in Canola

Large populations of flea beetle adults have been observed on canola this week. In one field we scouted, flea beetle populations were large and causing significant amounts of defoliation.