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Content by Adam Varenhorst

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 25, 2023

Common stalk borer caterpillars are a frequent early-season pest of corn, and their hatching and movement can be estimated by using degree days. See our latest scouting and management recommendations based on observations from around the state.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 25, 2023

Last week we confirmed both alfalfa weevil adult and larval activity in alfalfa. Scouting should continue, as the forecasted warm weather will promote alfalfa weevil larvae feeding.

Many small, thin insects on a yellow background with a mechanical pencil tip for scale.

Invasion of the Western Flower Thrips

Recent southerly winds brought large numbers of western flower thrips to the eastern third of South Dakota. Learn how to identify and manage this pest before they become a problem in your yard and garden.

Green leafhopper with clear wings.

Aster Leafhoppers in South Dakota Winter Wheat

Reports of aster leafhopper infestations in South Dakota winter wheat present the possibility of aster yellows phytoplasma transmission, which can lead to economic losses. See some tips for identifying, scouting and managing this pest.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 15, 2023

During the last week, the entire state reached enough degree days to have active alfalfa larvae. In areas with the highest accumulation of degree days, alfalfa should be scouted to ensure that alfalfa weevils don’t cause extensive defoliation.

Caterpillar with brown and black stripes running down the length of its body. The caterpillar has a tan head and is feeding on green plant material.

Army Cutworms Are Active in South Dakota

Army cutworms can rapidly reduce winter wheat stands if large populations are present. See our latest management recommendations based on observations from around the state.

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

Time to Start Scouting for Black Grass Bugs

In central and western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 4, 2023

With warmer temperatures during the last week, there was an increase in the accumulation of degree days for alfalfa weevils. See our latest observations from around the state.

A yellow beetle with a black head, and square black markings on its back standing on a soybean leaf.

2023 South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality

With bean leaf beetle emergence rapidly approaching, it’s important to start thinking about early-season management of the overwintering population. View our latest recommendations based on observations from winter 2022-2023.

Veterinarian and horse owner inspecting a horse.

Winter Ticks Showing Up on Horses

Ticks aren’t only active during the growing season in South Dakota. Winter ticks can be commonly found on horses and cattle. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing them before they become a problem.