Insect & Pests
All Insect & Pests Content
Flying Gems: Long-Legged Flies
Whether scouting for pests in crops or in a garden, chances are you’ve encountered a long-legged fly. These insects provide essential biocontrol of many insect pests and should be encouraged in the landscape.
It’s a Bee! It’s a Wasp! No, It’s a Hover Fly!
Many types of insects are responsible for some degree of pollination in landscapes. In this article, we will focus on the syrphid fly as both an important pollinator and a beneficial insect predator.
Tiger Beetles: Beneficial Predators and Ecosystem Health Indicators
Tiger beetles are generalist predators, meaning they prey on a wide variety of pests. Observing them in a landscape is a great sign that an ecosystem is healthy and supporting both prey and predators.
Why Those Dandelions in Your Yard Aren’t So Bad
While research has shown that pollinators, specifically honey bees, can’t survive on dandelion pollen alone, this doesn’t mean that the dandelions aren’t still important for pollinators.
Ground Beetles: Predators That Provide Benefits in Agricultural Landscapes
For agroecosystems and gardens struggling with weeds and insect pests, ground beetles can be a beneficial predator. Learn the benefits they can bring to your landscape this growing season.
Crop Hour
SDSU Extension will deliver a series of virtual Crop Hour webinars January 7 to February 27, 2025, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. CST.
South Dakota Pest Management Guides
The South Dakota Pest Management guides are now available for free. The guides offer recommendations for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases in a variety of South Dakota crops.
Insect Bioconversion: How to Compost With Black Soldier Flies
Much like composting, black soldier flies can be used in a rearing container to convert organic matter into nutrient-rich food, which can then be used in your garden. Learn how to construct a rearing container with this step-by-step guide!
Managing Waste Pesticides: Restricted Use Pesticides
While pesticides are intended only to impact pests, they can have negative consequences on unintended targets, such as humans and wildlife, if not handled properly. Learn what steps you need to take to safely dispose of unused pesticides and comply with regulations.
Sunflower Moths Causing Problems
While scouting late-planted sunflowers two weeks ago, there were increased observations of sunflower moth caterpillars in the heads that were later than the rest of the field. Sunflower moths are best managed as moths or early instar larvae.