Content by Patrick Wagner

Alfalfa plant that has numerous holes in the leaves.

Keep Scouting for Alfalfa Weevils

This week we received a report and picture confirmation of early-instar alfalfa weevil larvae in an alfalfa field. Although most alfalfa fields were treated for alfalfa weevils before the first cutting, those fields still need to be scouted.

Green soybean with wilting/dying soybean within the same row.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae in South Dakota Soybean

Soybean gall midge larvae were observed in South Dakota soybean this week. Although insecticide applications haven’t been very effective at this stage, it is still important to scout fields and determine the location and extent of soybean gall midge infestations.

Eight green beetles in a row in the top half of the image and a row of seven yellow beetles with varying black stripes in the bottom half of the image.

Corn Rootworm Egg Hatch Estimates

Corn rootworms overwinter in the soil as eggs and hatch in the spring when enough soil degree days have been accumulated. Based on soil degree day accumulations, most of South Dakota has reached 50% corn rootworm egg hatch.

A small green corn plant that has been cut and is laying on the ground.

Cut Corn Plants Detected in South Dakota

Cut corn plants have been detected in South Dakota. The damage is due to black cutworm feeding. Although black cutworm caterpillars injure corn by feeding on leaf tissue, the serious damage occurs when caterpillar feeding results in the cutting of young corn plants.

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

What Are the Little Moths All Over My Lawn?

There have been reports of small, light-colored moths showing up by the thousands in people’s lawns. These moths have been identified as sod webworms, which are now emerging throughout South Dakota.

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

Squash Vine Borer Moths Are Active

Squash vine borer moths have been observed in South Dakota gardens. Now that we know they are active, it is important to take steps to ensure that they don’t have a negative impact on our squash plants.

Bed bugs grouped together where the fabric and wood join on a box spring.

Bed Bugs: What You Need To Know

When it comes to household pests, bed bugs can make almost anyone cringe. These tiny, vampire-like critters are pests of humans and can become a persistent problem when they infest homes.

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

Will Grasshoppers Be an Issue in 2021?

With much of South Dakota experiencing dry conditions this year, grasshoppers are one of the insect pests that will need to be monitored. Large grasshopper populations may cause economic loss in cash crops and reduce forage in range and pasture lands.

Young woman applying insect repellant before an evening hike.

Enjoying the Outdoors Without Tick and Mosquito Bites

Outdoor activities seem extra inviting this time of year, and many people are already enjoying the long days and warmer temperatures. Ticks and mosquitoes share the outdoors with us, but there are things you can do to prevent bites from both.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 10, 2021

The hot temperatures last week have resulted in a large increase in degree days for common stalk borer. Common stalk borers should now be scouted for in areas around Hot Springs, Lemmon, Mission, Pierre, Winner, Huron, Mitchell, Tyndall, Sisseton and Vermillion.