Wheat Insects

All Wheat Insects Content

Wheat field that is turning yellow due to mite infestation.

Brown Wheat Mites Detected in South Dakota Wheat

Brown wheat mite infestations have been detected in South Dakota wheat. Typically, infestations are more commonly observed in fields experiencing drought stress, which is currently most of the state

Green wheat plants with some cut just above the soil surface.

Army Cutworms Causing Issues in South Dakota Wheat

Army cutworm caterpillars are active in South Dakota wheat fields. This activity is only going to increase with the forecasted temperatures.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs

Black grass bugs are a common early-season pest of forage grasses. Drought conditions exacerbate their impact by stressing plants and reducing their ability to tolerate and recover from feeding injury.

aerial view of South Dakota farm and surrounding land

Crops

During the growing season, SDSU Extension provides weekly production recommendations.

A reddish-brown Hessian fly with long black legs and beaded antennae resting on a plant.

Hessian Flies in South Dakota

This fact sheet covers the identification, life cycle and management options for Hessian Flies in South Dakota.

Parasitoid wasp with an orange abdomen and dark brown head and thorax.

Wheat Stem Sawfly Parasitoid: Bracon cephi

This fact sheet covers the identification and lifecycle of a parasitoid wasp species in South Dakota that attacks Wheat Stem Sawfly larvae.

A long slender black and yellow bug with smoky gray wings and long antennae.

Wheat Stem Sawflies in South Dakota Wheat

This fact sheet covers the identification, lifecycle and management of Wheat Stem Sawflies in South Dakota.

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.

Wheat

The SDSU Extension team provides unbiased, research-based information to help wheat growers make decisions to improve yields and profits.

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.