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Green alfalfa weevil larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 5, 2024

Although the degree day estimates suggest that alfalfa weevils are no longer active in the fields and should be pupating, scouting has indicated otherwise.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Update: May 30, 2019

Another cool, wet week has led to a limited accumulation of degree days. Based on our calculations, common stalk borer activity still doesn’t warrant any scouting, but spraying field edges should be avoided around Hot Springs, Winner and Vermillion.

Two adult wasps side-by-side. The left is black and yellow and is resting on a green leaf. The right is black, yellow and burnt orange in color and is resting on a piece of wood.

Wasp Activity Is Ramping Up

With their distinctive black and yellow stripes and tendency to hang out in groups, wasps receive attention no matter the time of year. As the weather warms up and spring progresses, you may notice more wasp activity in your yard or around your house.

White net covered in green larvae.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 19, 2024

Across South Dakota, degree day estimates indicate that alfalfa weevil activity should be completed. However, our field observations this week suggest otherwise.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 27, 2021

Throughout South Dakota, we still haven’t accumulated enough degree days for common stalk borers to begin moving into corn, which is a good thing. At this point in time, common stalk borer activity is still going to be limited to weeds and grassy weeds.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: April 29, 2022

Seedcorn maggots can be an early-season pest of corn and soybean in South Dakota. View our latest seedcorn maggot activity estimates based on degree day accumulation for various locations throughout South Dakota.

Green beetles feeding on the tip of a corn ear.

Adult Corn Rootworms Are Active in South Dakota

Corn rootworm adults are active across South Dakota, and as a reminder it’s a good time to scout corn to determine if your fields have a rootworm issue.

Multicolored Asian lady beetle, female mosquito, and boxelder bug.

Insects Are Being a Nuisance This Fall

The weather is changing, and many of us are noticing an uptick in the nuisance bites caused by several insects. The continued warm weather is going to increase the activity of all insects, including the ones that are causing us displeasure.

Drip irrigation system set up in a home garden.

Vegetable Gardening During a Drought

In a drought, getting water to plants is a priority. The following management tips will help you efficiently use water and maximize other gardening practices to achieve a healthy and productive garden.

Top: Tan caterpillar with dark brown head on corn stalk. Bottom: Black caterpillar with light stripes and yellow-brown head capsule. Caterpillar also has small spines on body segments.

Caterpillars Active in South Dakota Corn Fields

Both European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) are active in corn fields. Sometimes the caterpillar activity and identity of these two species can be confused.