Insect & Pests
All Insect & Pests Content
Protecting Your Garden From Squash Bugs
With the end of summer approaching, we are beginning to receive many reports of squash bugs appearing throughout South Dakota. These insects are a common pest in gardens from mid-summer until the first frost.
Millipedes Moving In?
Recent rain events coupled with decreasing temperatures are shaking things up outside. This is the time of year when insects and other arthropods that normally make their homes outside, start to move around and look for shelter. The critter that is causing the most calls so far is the millipede; which is an arthropod, but not an insect. Millipedes are helpful decomposers when outside and feed on decaying organic matter. They are commonly confused with centipedes, which are predaceous.
Managing Cucumber Beetles
Two cucumber beetle species occur in South Dakota; the striped cucumber beetle and the spotted cucumber beetle (also known as the southern corn rootworm).
I Found a Praying Mantis, Now What?
Praying mantises are one of the most distinctive large insects that can be found in South Dakota. Their striking appearance, size and perceived rarity contributes to the frequent calls and emails that we receive regarding sightings and captures of these insects.
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle: A late-summer friend in the garden
A number of ornamentals are in full bloom, ablaze with colors and, in some cases, buzzing with insects. One such insect that you may have noticed in your lawns is the goldenrod soldier beetle or Pennsylvania leatherwing (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus).
Fall Household Pests
Fall is here, but many insects are still active – especially on unseasonably warm days. Southern exposures of buildings are a common gathering spot for insects.
Earwigs: The good the bad and the ugly
With the rainfall that we have been receiving in areas of Eastern South Dakota, one of our summer nuisance insect pests is starting to show up again. We have started to receive reports regarding earwigs in and around homes near Brookings, S.D.
Black and Yellow Garden Spiders
As gardeners harvest the last of their produce, many are noticing the black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) living among the vegetation. This spider may also be observed in crops, or tall grass or weeds that provide protection for their webs. These spiders (at least the females) stand out because of their bright colors, large size, and distinctive large web. While they are often overlooked, the garden spider is common throughout the United States.
Common Ash Borers, Bark Beetles, and More
Green ash is still one of the most commonly planted trees in South Dakota, and considering the number of trees in windbreaks, along urban streets, and in yards already, it is a surprise anyone would think we need more. In addition to the numerous pest problems we already have with this tree, the looming threat of emerald ash borer should make us a little more cautious about wholesale recommending the use of this tree.
What’s Bugging Your Garden: Picnic Beetles
One of the most common garden insect questions I get asked is “what are those little black, spotted beetles that are in my sweet corn, tomatoes, raspberries and perhaps worst of all, in your beer! These little nuisances are called picnic or sap beetles. They are attracted to ripe or damaged fruit and vegetables.