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Garden & Yard Issues

All Garden & Yard Issues Content

Small, white moth with a pattern of brown stripes on the wings.

Sod Webworms Causing Issues in Stressed Lawns

Sod webworm moths have been very active during the last couple of weeks. These small moths are an indicator of the potential for lawncare issues to come.

Gray tear drop shaped bugs feeding on a yellow squash.

Squash Bugs Are Active in South Dakota

Squash bugs are an insect pest that everyone dreads finding in their garden. If left unmanaged, injury caused by their extensive feeding can kill infested squash and cucurbit plants.

A thin brown insect with two white spots on its side hoisting a yellow insect up with its mouthparts.

Biocontrol Agents: Brown Lacewings

With so many insect pests causing concern for both gardeners and farmers, it’s important to know which ones are on our side. In this article, we focus on the brown lacewing and the beneficial role it plays within the landscape.

Numerous small holes on a green tomato leaf.

What’s Causing the Tiny Holes on My Tomato Leaves?

Flea beetles are once again causing issues for gardeners across South Dakota. These herbivorous beetles can be a pest of many different garden plants, including tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash and lettuce.

Moth with green metallic wings and an orange body resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimates: June 10, 2022

Although gardening is well underway in South Dakota, squash vine borers should not be an issue for at least another week. See our latest activity estimates based on conditions around the state.

Multiple views of a green lacewing adult. The adult has a bright green body and large metallic eyes. The wings are translucent with green venation.

Green Lacewings: Beneficial Predators for Both Small and Large-Scale Landscapes

Many insect species are beneficial to landscapes, and some are even reared in large quantities to be released as biological control agents. In this article, we will focus on one of those insects, the green lacewing.

Left: Adult honey bee. Right: Bicolored striped-sweat bee

Beneficial Pollinators: Honey Bees and Bicolored Striped-Sweat Bee

With temperatures increasing in South Dakota, expect to see an increase of beneficial pollinators searching for blooming plants. Learn about two important pollinators, the honey bee and the native bicolored striped-sweat bee.

Roughly oval shaped insect with a black head and upper body, and a brown and white pattern on its wings. The insect is on a green leaf and its thin mouthpart is piercing a round, white egg.

Minute Pirate Bug: Beneficial Predators in Managed and Agricultural Landscapes

Learn about minute pirate bugs, beneficial insects that feed on numerous arthropod pests of both garden and agricultural crops.

Pink beetle with black spots feeding on oblong, yellow eggs.

Pink Lady Beetles: Beneficial Predators in Urban and Agricultural Landscapes

There are numerous insect species that are beneficial to the gardens and farms. In this article, we will highlight a common insect predator known as the pink lady beetle, or spotted lady beetle.

Moth with green metallic wings and an orange body resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimates: April 29, 2022

Squash vine borers can be a serious garden pest. If left unmanaged, their activity can cause a rapid decline in the health and productivity of zucchini, squash, pumpkins and other winter squash.