This page contains entomology resources for integrated pest management, including publications, media, and educational tools.  To learn more about the topics discussed on this page, contact MSU Extension arthropod diagnostician Dr. Laurie Kerzicnik.

If you suspect an insect infestation on your property or have an insect sample for analysis, contact your local extension agent, the Schutter Diagnostic Lab at Montana State University, or the Montana Department of Agriculture.

Contents

Fact Sheets

Listed below are a few recent highlights, navigate to the main fact sheet directory to browse the entire archive.  New fact sheets are published regularly, on this site, through the MSU Extension Store, and via Urban IPM Alerts.

Browse all fact sheets.

 

This photo shows a male hobo spider next to a ruler for scale.

Hobo spiders are active in the fall

MSU Extension Fact Sheet, Aug 2022
Hobo spiders enter homes in several areas of Montana in late August to early fall.
This shows an up-close image of a two-striped grasshopper.

Grasshoppers were abundant in several areas in the summer of 2022

MSU Extension Fact Sheet, Aug 2022

Grasshoppers were an issue across the state in the summer of 2022. Once grasshoppers are adults and have entered the yard and garden, management is extremely challenging.

This image shows a female Araneus saevus spider next to some pine vegetation on her web.

Araneus saevus

Aug 2022

This lovely orb-weaving spider is very abundant this year-Araneus saevus. They occur around forested areas in N. America, including Montana. In forests, they prefer areas with large trees. 

This photo shows an image of an emerald ash borer resting on a leaf.

Misinformation about the emerald ash borer

MSU Extension Fact Sheet, May 2022

There were reports/rumors in the spring of 2022 that the emerald ash borer is present in several trees around the Helena area. To date, the emerald ash borer has not been detected in Montana, and there is no need to treat your trees for this pest.

 
 

Audio and Video

Learn more about insects and other arthropods that live in Montana, presented by MSU Extension IPM educators and specialists.

Urban Entomology on YouTube

Stay up-to-date on the latest IPM video releases by subscribing to the MSU Extension YouTube channel.

To view a video below, select a title to expand the page and reveal an embedded YouTube video player.  A summary can be found below each video, along with a link to its corresponding YouTube page.  Selecting the title a second time will hide the video player, but it will not automatically stop the video.

You might know canola oil from the grocery store, alongside other vegetable cooking oils, but where does it come from and what other uses have been developed for rapeseed? This week, Executive Director Karen Sowers of the Pacific Northwest Canola Association joins the Montana AgLive panel.

Presented by Montana PBS on YouTube.

 
 

Extension Alerts

The latest agricultural alerts from MSU Extension and the Urban Integrated Pest Management Extension. Up-to-date alerts are available on the website, by email subscription, and via text message.

 
 

More from MSU Extension

Explore the family of MSU Extension Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology related programs.

Integrated pest management focused on educating professionals in the fields of arboriculture, landscape, nursery, and lawn care.

Diagnosis of plant diseases, insect damage, and environmental plant problems, as well as visual assessment of herbicide injury to plants.

Working to reduce health and environmental risks from pest management, as well as improve practices, and increase IPM adoption.

Educational training on the proper use of pesticides to protect both public health and the environment.

 

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