It’s Wasp Season: Everything You Need to Know About Wasps in Minnesota
Summer is meant for neighborhood barbeques and outdoor adventures. However, one wasp nest can ruin your fun plans and turn your home into a summer prison instead of a summer paradise. While these tiny black and yellow creatures contribute to blooming bushes and trees, they can be a nuisance when they've taken up residence on your property.
Knowing about these insects, including their habits, characteristics, nests, and stings, can make all the difference in ridding your home of these annoyances. Handling active wasp nests can be dangerous, so it is essential to be careful and consider calling professional pest control to help you deal with the infestation.
Understanding Wasp Nests and Infestations
Wasps can be divided into two distinct categories: social and solitary. Social wasps live in colonies, while solitary wasps live by themselves and with their young. In social wasp colonies, females work together to perform all the hive duties, including feeding and caring for young wasps. Solitary wasps perform these duties alone.
There aren't many things more dreaded than a wasp sting. Wasps will inflict a painful sting when they feel their colony is in danger. Some species may even sting without cause. Unlike their bee cousins, wasps can sting more than once, making them dangerous to annoy. The only thing worse than one wasp sting is two. Wasp stings can cause itching, swelling, redness, and burning sensations. Stings are not usually life-threatening or dangerous unless you are allergic to wasp venom, which guarantees a trip to the hospital. Social wasps tend to be significantly more territorial than solitary wasps.
Wasps are both natural predators and pollinators. Adult female wasps will seek out small insects to feed their young. Most adult wasps primarily eat and are attracted to sugars like nectar, pollen, and even your summer ice cream cone.
Types of Wasps in Minnesota
Yellowjacket Wasp
Yellowjacket wasps are common during Minnesota summers. Their sleek black and yellow coloring is hard to miss. These wasps are social, meaning they live in colonies and work together to feed and nurture their queen. Their nests are most commonly found underground, but they are known to venture above ground in some circumstances.
Paper Wasp
If you see a brown, paper-like wasp nest hanging on your front porch or garage, it likely belongs to a paper wasp colony. These tiny creatures range in size from 5/8-3/4 inch long. Generally, they appear yellow and black and are more slender than a traditional honey bee or yellowjacket.
Bald-Faced Hornet
The bald-faced hornet is known for its unique markings. Primarily black, the wasp has light yellow or white markings around its face and abdomen. Another type of social wasp, the colony commonly builds its paper-like nest in trees.
Sphecid Wasp
Sphecid wasps – pronounced "sfesid" – are considered solitary wasps. Mud daubers fall into this group and are known for their thin bodies and bright yellow and black coloring. These wasps are usually less territorial and aggressive than other species.
Prevent Future Wasp Infestations with Valor Pest Control Services
From the social yellowjacket wasp to the solitary mud dauber wasp, wasps in Minnesota showcase a variety of habits and behaviors. And they can be a headache for property owners looking to enjoy their yard and home during the warmer months. If you're suffering from a wasp infestation and are looking for quality wasp nest removal services, contact Valor Pest Solutions today! At Valor Pest Solutions, we offer comprehensive pest control services.
You shouldn't have to put up with territorial wasps in your space. Our experienced technicians can eliminate your wasp nests and prevent future invasions with professional pest control. Our methods are quick, safe, and straightforward. Let us take care of the pests so you and your family can enjoy your yard again and not feel dread or fear whenever you step outside.
