Content by Adam Varenhorst
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.
Bean Leaf Beetles in South Dakota
This fact sheet provides an overview of the biology of the Bean Leaf Beetle and management options for South Dakota.
Wheat Stem Sawflies in South Dakota Wheat
This fact sheet covers the identification, lifecycle and management of Wheat Stem Sawflies in South Dakota.
Let SDSU Extension know how alfalfa insects are affecting you
January 29, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging forage producers to participate in a survey about managing alfalfa insects.
Dectes Stem Borer in South Dakota Sunflowers
Factsheet covering Dectes stem borer in sunflowers.
West Nile Virus Update: October 16, 2025
As of October 16, 2025, the South Dakota Department of Health reported 86 human cases of West Nile virus from Aurora, Beadle, Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Clay, Codington, Corson, Douglas, Grant, Gregory, Haakon, Hamlin, Hand, Hughes, Hutchison, Hyde, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, Meade, Miner, Minnehaha, Pennington, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Stanley, Todd, Union, Walworth, and Yankton counties.
Yellowjackets: Swarming decaying produce or garbage near you
Fall is here, and if you have a garden, fruit trees, or outdoor dumpsters, you are likely to encounter yellowjackets in search of food. Learn some expert tips to avoid getting stung this fall.
West Nile Virus Update: September 26, 2025
As of September 26, 2025, the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) reported 74 human cases of West Nile Virus from Aurora, Beadle, Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Clay, Codington, Corson, Douglas, Grant, Gregory, Haakon, Hamlin, Hand, Hughes, Hutchison, Hyde, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, Meade, Miner, Minnehaha, Pennington, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Stanley, Union, Walworth, and Yankton counties.
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.
Required Licensing For Applying Pesticide Using Spray Drones
Fact sheet for South Dakota stakeholders wanting to get certified to apply pesticides with a spray drone.