Content by Amanda Bachmann

Small, slender, tan bug on a green leaf

Damsel Bugs: Beneficial Predators in Managed and Agricultural Landscapes

It is important to remember that not all insects are pests. Damsel bugs are beneficial predators that feed on soft-bodied insects, including many agricultural and garden pests.

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 Wheat

Army cutworm caterpillar activity in winter wheat was detected a couple of weeks ago in South Dakota. Forecasted warmer temperatures will make conditions favorable for army cutworms to start feeding.

Four common, native milkweed plants: butterfly weed, swamp milkweed, common milkweed and whorled milkweed.

Garden-friendly Milkweeds to Plant in South Dakota

Are you looking to add native plants to your home garden this season? Consider expanding your garden palette with milkweed species that are native to South Dakota.

A group of raised ground beds with crops growing in them at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota.

Garden Hour

Make the most of your garden and landscaping with weekly insights and ideas from our team of experts.

Elongate, reddish-brown beetle on a white background.

Foreign Grain Beetles in New Construction

As new homes are constructed around South Dakota, we continually receive questions about small, brown insects showing up in bathrooms and basements. These insects are foreign grain beetles.

Rows of empty white, plastic pesticide containers.

Chlorpyrifos Tolerances Revoked by U.S. Evironmental Protection Agency

In August 2021, a final rule was released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the insecticide active ingredient chlorpyrifos. The rule revoked all tolerances for chlorpyrifos.

Green and brown grasshopper with two yellow lines that originate on the head and meet on the abdomen.

Grasshoppers in Gardens

Due to large populations and dry conditions, grasshoppers are moving into gardens and feeding on whatever they can find. In a normal year, grasshoppers can be a nuisance in a garden, but during an outbreak year, they can present a real threat to gardens, shrubs and small trees.

Brown beetle with hairy body and black mottled pattern on a pink flower petal.

Bumble Flower Beetles Are Here

One of the insects that starts to attract attention this time of year are the bumble flower beetles. These large and noisy beetles somewhat resemble June beetles, but they show up later in the season.

Green beetles feeding on the tip of a corn ear.

Northern and Western Corn Rootworm in South Dakota

Fact sheet on Northern and Western Corn Rootworm in South Dakota

Young woman photographing leaf-scorched hostas in a garden.

Garden and Yard Problems Solved: How to Submit Photos and Samples to Our Experts

Garden and lawn issues can sometimes be diagnosed by simply looking at a photo. Photos give our Extension experts a place to start, and providing them with the best possible photo can help the process.