Skip to main content

Insect & Pests

All Insect & Pests Content

Base of soybean stem with orange larvae present under the epidermis.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Detected in South Dakota

Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected in soybean in southeastern South Dakota. Scouting for fields with infestations may explain wilting or dying soybean along field edges.

Gray beetle with long antennae.

Dectes Stem Borer in South Dakota Soybeans

Fact sheet on Dectes stem borer in South Dakota soybeans

Redlegged and differential grasshopper nymphs.

Grasshoppers Are Showing up in Large Numbers in Eastern South Dakota

While scouting spring wheat in Brookings County this week, we noticed grasshopper nymph populations that were close to threshold.

Green aphid with black cornicles and black patterns on legs.

Aphid Populations Continue To Increase in Wheat

English grain aphid populations are continuing to increase in wheat. With increasing pressure, it is important to scout wheat fields to ensure that the populations do not cause yield loss.

Examples of three commonly used protective gloves used for pesticide applications.

Pesticide Personal Protective Equipment: Glove Selection

Safety gloves are one of the most-important pieces of pesticide personal protective equipment. Glove material is very important, as not all materials provide the same protection for different pesticide ingredients.

A nest of Asian Needle Ants.

No Documented Sightings of Asian Needle Ants in South Dakota

Despite reports from major news networks citing that Asian needle ants are in South Dakota, we have no evidence that the ant is established or has ever been documented in the state.

Grasshopper with red hind tibia. It’s sitting on a green grass stem.

Survey of Grasshoppers in South Dakota

Fact sheet on the abundance and species diversity of grasshoppers in South Dakota

Green leafhopper with clear wings.

Aster Leafhoppers Showing up in South Dakota Wheat

Aster leafhoppers are present in wheat again this spring. For the last few years, aster leafhoppers have been a common occurrence in South Dakota wheat.

Bird cherry oat aphids, English grain aphids, Greenbugs.

Don’t Forget To Scout for Aphids in Wheat

Aphids are present in South Dakota wheat fields, and that means it’s time to start scouting.

Green aphid with red eyes and cornicles with black tips.

Monitor Alfalfa for Pea Aphid Activity

Pea aphids can cause yield reductions to alfalfa when large populations are present. Prolonged feeding by these populations can even cause the alfalfa fields to take on a “golden” color.