Need to ID this insect - Ask Extension
We have a ground nest in a garden bed of a possible wasp but we are not sure. They do not bother us at this point but the nest is next to our steps an...
Knowledgebase
Need to ID this insect #879232
Asked July 29, 2024, 12:32 PM EDT
We have a ground nest in a garden bed of a possible wasp but we are not sure. They do not bother us at this point but the nest is next to our steps and there are many active individuals. Thank you so much for the ID and also should we leave them alone or spray with a wasp spray???
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
That appears to be a yellow jacket wasp.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/wasps-and-bees#how-to-get-rid-of-yellowjacket-and-paper-wasp-nests-1465460
These do sting mostly when the nest is bothered.
If you do decide to eradicate the nest, only do this at dust when the insects have settled down and are mostly in the nest.
Persons who are allergic to bee stings should not approach this nest. Other persons will be uncomfortable if stung but not suffer any prolonged effects.
All wasp insecticides kill other insects. To minimize killing pollinators, if you use them, spray them after sunset.
It may be possible to destroy a nest after dark by inserting a hose nozzle (jet setting, water off into the nest) retreating to a safe location, and turning the water on for 10 minutes.
Repeat the next day or two if wasps are approaching the nest site.
When the wasp is dead, open with a shovel.
That appears to be a yellow jacket wasp.
https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/wasps-and-bees#how-to-get-rid-of-yellowjacket-and-paper-wasp-nests-1465460
These do sting mostly when the nest is bothered.
If you do decide to eradicate the nest, only do this at dust when the insects have settled down and are mostly in the nest.
Persons who are allergic to bee stings should not approach this nest. Other persons will be uncomfortable if stung but not suffer any prolonged effects.
All wasp insecticides kill other insects. To minimize killing pollinators, if you use them, spray them after sunset.
It may be possible to destroy a nest after dark by inserting a hose nozzle (jet setting, water off into the nest) retreating to a safe location, and turning the water on for 10 minutes.
Repeat the next day or two if wasps are approaching the nest site.
When the wasp is dead, open with a shovel.
WOW, thank you so much for the speedy report. I just took a look at the hole an it is silver dollar size with hwy 36 E traffic in the afternoon!!!
Best,
Jim
On Jul 29, 2024, at 12:33 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
