Insect & Pests

All Insect & Pests Content

Two photos of alfalfa weevils during different lifecycle stages. The left is the larva stage and has a longate, green larvae that looks like a caterpillar with white stripe running down the body and brown h

Alfalfa Weevils Are Active, and It’s Time to Scout

Scouting and managing alfalfa weevils when they reach the determined thresholds can prevent yield loss and encourage healthy regrowth of infested alfalfa stands.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 13, 2021

Although last week was warmer, we still didn’t accumulate a lot of degree days for alfalfa weevils. However, the upcoming forecast looks more favorable for alfalfa growth and alfalfa weevil development.

A grub that has an orange colored head and legs and a white body with a dark grey tip at the end. The grub is laying on top of the soil.

Do You Have Grubs in Your Lawn?

We’ve had quite a few calls about dead patches in lawns this spring, which could be a sign of grub activity. If areas of your lawn are not greening up or appear to be dying, it is important to scout to determine if grubs are present.

Numerous small black beetles feeding on a green leaf.

Flea Beetles Already Active In Gardens

It may seem early, but flea beetles are already active in gardens in South Dakota. Adult beetles feed on leaves and stems, and their feeding will leave behind a multitude of small, irregular holes or pits.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 6, 2021

The cooler temperatures the last few days probably slowed down alfalfa weevils again, but everyone should be scouting fields due to the possibility of alfalfa weevil activity.

Farmer standing over insecticide jug in wheatgrass field

A Ban or New Rules for Chlorpyifos May Be Coming Soon

Recently, a federal appeals court gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a 60-day deadline to either ban insecticides containing chlorpyrifos or set new guidelines for its use.

Gray caterpillar with dark markings, white splotches and a white stripe running down the middle of its back.

It’s Time to Scout Alfalfa for Cutworms

One of the earliest insect pests that can be found in South Dakota’s alfalfa fields are army cutworms. Injury from cutworms can sometimes be overlooked until large patches of an alfalfa field have been “cut.”

Grain bin fan with a plywood cover installed on the exterior.

Check Your Bins This Spring

As it warms up this spring, don’t forget to check the bins. Grain bins work as solar heat collectors, and the grain inside of them may be much warmer than expected.

Top: Army cutworm caterpillar. Bottom: Pale western cutworm caterpillar.

Monitor Wheat for Early-Season Cutworm Activity

It's finally warming up in South Dakota, and insect activity in wheat fields will be increasing. For wheat, a couple of early-season pests that may already be active are the army cutworm and the pale western cutworm.

A small black bug with tan margins on the wings. This insect is resting on a grass seed head.

Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs

With much of South Dakota continuing to experience moderate-to-extreme drought conditions, black grass bugs could become a concern in some areas. Large populations of black grass bugs can cause severe damage to pasture.