Content by Amanda Bachmann

EPA Issues Emergency Order: Stop Using Dacthal

Following a review of data associated with the use of dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (sold under the most-common trade name, Dacthal), the EPA has issued an emergency order to stop using this active ingredient effective immediately.

Management Recommendations for Soybean Aphids

In many fields across eastern South Dakota soybean aphid populations have reached economic thresholds, and there have been a lot of questions regarding the best approach to managing the 2024 outbreak.

Night-Blooming Flowers and Host Plants for Moths

Moths are fascinating creatures, and they are also important pollinators. Learn about a variety of night-blooming flowers and native host plants that can attract these beneficial insects to your yard and garden.

Sunflower Moths Observed in South Dakota

Sunflower moths have been observed in South Dakota sunflower fields this week. Sunflower heads are most susceptible to damage caused by the sunflower moth caterpillars from the onset of flowering to when the ray petals begin drying.

These mosquitoes are awful! What can I do in my backyard to manage them?

Mosquitoes are out in force across much of South Dakota. While there are steps you can take to prevent bites, there are also chemical and non-chemical options available for backyard mosquito control.

Backyard Natural Resources Webinar Series

Learn how to support healthy ecosystems in your backyard and beyond in this webinar series.

Native Plants to Know: Thimbleweed (Anemone cylindrica)

Anemone cylindrica (Ranunculaceae), also known as thimbleweed or candle anemone, is a perennial, herbaceous plant native to prairies and woodlands of central and northern North America.

Wet Spring Brings Surge of False Chinch Bugs

Within the past week, large populations of false chinch bugs have been reported across western South Dakota. In high numbers, these pests can pose a threat to Brassica plants.

Buzzworthy Backyards: How Bee Lawns Are Reinventing Green Spaces

Bee lawns integrate a variety of low-growing perennials and fine fescues that not only require minimal maintenance, but also actively support local wildlife, particularly bees

Native Plants to Know: Small-Flowered Columbine (Aquilegia brevistyla)

Aquilegia brevistyla, or small-flowered columbine, is a native, perennial, herbaceous plant in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup family) that grows in cool, shaded, canyons in the Black Hills of South Dakota.