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Green bee on yellow flower.

Time to Spray Sunflowers: Don’t Forget About the Pollinators

As sunflowers in South Dakota begin to reach the flowering stages, it is important to remember that, in addition to insect pests, there are also pollinators visiting these flowers.

Gray beetle with long antennae that are alternating white and black pattern on green leaf petiole.

Another Year of Dectes Stem Borer Issues in Sunflower?

Based on the current drought conditions in our sunflower production areas, it is likely that Dectes stem borer will cause issues earlier than normal in the areas experiencing drought.

A brownish tan grasshopper with black chevron marking on its hind legs sitting on a ripening tomato.

Protecting Tomatoes From Grasshoppers in the Garden

During dry summers, it's no surprise when grasshoppers start causing issues in gardens. Learn about some common grasshoppers that feed on tomato plants along with some ways to manage populations.

Dark brown tick with a white shield behind the head.

An identification guide for Arthropods of Human Health Concern in South Dakota

Pictorial guide for arthropods of human health concern in South Dakota

A creamy white larva next to a hole where it had previously been feeding.

Biology and Management of Squash Vine Borer in the Garden

Squash vine borer larvae are serious pests of pumpkins, zucchini and other winter squashes. Learn how to identify and manage infestations before they impact plant health and productivity this fall.

Several brownish gray moths with light markings present on their wings.

Army Cutworms Returning to South Dakota

A black light trap at the SDSU West River Research Farm near Sturgis has started capturing army cutworm moths. This indicates that the moths that migrated west this spring are returning to the South Dakota plains to lay eggs.

Cluster of wasps on a honeycombed surface.

Wait, These Wasps Were Here the Whole Time?

Wasps receive attention no matter the time of year, but they are especially noticeable in late summer and early fall. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing different types of wasps in your home and garden.

Chigger mite under maginifying device.

What To Do About Chiggers

Chiggers are a persistent summer arthropod pest that many people want to get rid of in their lawns. While it is understandable that people want to eliminate them, the best defense against chiggers is being prepared before going outside.

Several small, light colored grasshopper nymphs feeding on green potato plants. The leaves of the potato plants have small holes in them.

Grasshopper Populations Increasing in South Dakota

Large populations of grasshopper nymphs have been a common observation this year. One concern regarding these populations is that, as the season progresses and they continue to grow, they will need additional resources.

Red-brown colored weevil with bent antennae originating on the elongated mouthparts.

Red Sunflower Seed Weevil Populations Are Active in South Dakota

Red sunflower seed weevils are active in South Dakota sunflowers. Scouting should begin for fields that are going to be reaching the R5 stage within the next week.