Are you a homeowner in Saint Paul, Minnesota who’s curious about the wasps buzzing around your backyard? Well, you’re not alone! Wasps are a common sight during the warm months of the year, but they can be intimidating for some people. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the different types of wasps you might encounter and give you tips on how to safely coexist with them.
For non aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying the nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For more aggressive wasps I also use this rediculous looking upper torso Beekeeping suit. It seems silly, but trust me, it's amazing.
Yellowjackets are probably the most well-known type of wasp in the US. They have black and yellow stripes and a distinctive hourglass shape on their bodies. These social wasps build nests underground or in cavities, such as tree trunks or walls. In the fall, yellowjacket colonies produce fertile queens that overwinter and start new colonies in the spring.
Yellowjackets are attracted to sweet foods and drinks, so it’s important to keep your trash cans tightly closed and your food covered when eating outside. If you find a yellowjacket nest in your yard, it’s best to call a professional pest control service to remove it.
Paper wasps have long, slender bodies with narrow waists and smoky black wings. They build papery nests that resemble upside-down umbrellas. Unlike yellowjackets, paper wasps are not aggressive unless provoked. However, their stings can still be painful and cause a severe reaction in some people.
If you find a paper wasp nest in your yard, it’s important to leave it alone if possible. Paper wasps are beneficial insects that help control other pests in your garden. If you must remove a nest, do it at night when the wasps are less active, and wear protective clothing and gear.
Bald-faced hornets are actually a type of yellowjacket, but they have black bodies with white markings. They build large, gray, football-shaped nests that can reach up to three feet in length. Bald-faced hornets are very aggressive when their nests are disturbed and can sting multiple times.
If you find a bald-faced hornet nest in your yard, it’s best to call a professional pest control service to remove it. Attempting to remove the nest yourself is dangerous and could result in serious injury.
Many people mistake bees for wasps and vice versa. While both are flying insects that can sting, there are some key differences between the two. Bees are usually rounder and fuzzier than wasps, and they feed on nectar and pollen. Wasps are more slender and shiny, and they feed on other insects and sugary foods.
Bees are generally beneficial insects that help pollinate plants, while wasps are more often seen as pests. However, both bees and wasps play important roles in their ecosystems and should be treated with respect.
We hope this guide has helped you feel more comfortable around the wasps and bees in your backyard. Remember, it’s important to take precautions to avoid getting stung, but don’t let fear prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. If you have any concerns about wasps or bees on your property, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance.
Now that you know more about the wasps of Saint Paul, Minnesota, you can appreciate their beauty and importance in nature. Who knows, you might even develop a newfound fascination with these amazing insects!