Types of Wasps in Minnesota

Wood Wasps

• About eight different species of wood wasps are common to Minnesota, according to the University of Minnesota Extension Service. These wasps are attracted to dead or dying wood, so be careful if you have old firewood piled up in your yard. Wood wasps are 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch long. They are usually dark-colored, but can have white, red or yellow markings. Wood wasps are attracted to several different types of wood, such as birch, oak, maple and elm.

Yellow Jackets

• Yellow jackets are another type of wasp common to Minnesota, according to the University of Minnesota Extension Service. These wasps commonly build their nests in trees, on the eaves of homes or under the ground. Yellow jackets get their name from the yellow markings on their dark brown bodies. They eat a wide range of foods, from decaying garbage to other insects. Yellow jackets can sting repeatedly, so be careful when working near a nest.

Bald-Faced Hornet

• The bald-faced hornet is a black-and-white wasp that grows to about 3/4 inch long. These wasps are common to Minnesota, according to the University of Minnesota Extension Service. They build nests out of chewed wood and saliva and commonly hang them in trees. Bald-faced hornets eat flower nectar, sap, fruit juice and other insects.