Bugs and spiders in South Dakota

What to watch for in South Dakota

The American dog tick is by far the most recorded tick, and it is established. The Rocky Mountain wood tick lives along the western edge of the state. The blacklegged tick and lone star tick are both established but have been recorded only a handful of times, and blacklegged presence is patchy. All can carry disease, so remove any attached tick promptly and watch for fever or rash. The brown dog tick mostly stays with dogs.

The western black widow is the only Get-advice spider established in South Dakota. A bite from an adult female can cause severe muscle pain and cramps, so get medical advice if you think you were bitten, or call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222). Among Be-careful species, European paper wasps, eastern yellowjackets and yellow garden spiders are most often met.

Through the year

Spring

Rocky Mountain wood ticks are active along the western edge after snowmelt, American dog ticks become active in April, and overwintered boxelder bugs move around on warm days.

Summer

European paper wasps build around the outside of the house, and pill bugs turn up in damp basements through the warm months.

Fall

Boxelder bugs, Asian lady beetles and western conifer seed bugs move in, and yellow garden spiders are most noticed in late summer and early fall.

Winter

Fall invaders such as boxelder bugs and conifer seed bugs show up on warm days, and black carpenter ants seen in late winter can mean a nest in the house.