Why Minnesota’s Wasps Seem to Be Everywhere This Fall

If you've noticed that there seem to be more wasps and yellowjackets around these days in southeast Minnesota, you're not alone. So here's the science behind why these insects seem to be swarming more this year!

Why Are There More Wasps and Yellowjackets in Minnesota?

If you've been outside trying to soak up some of our gorgeous fall weather but have had wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets ruin your experience, there is a good reason why: The University of Minnesota Extension says the population of those insects typically peaks at the end of summer and into early fall, so they're out in large numbers in the Land of 10,000 Lakes right now.

One of the reasons wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets are also more active right now in Minnesota is because their food situation has changed. The U of M notes that earlier in the summer, worker wasps and yellowjackets spend much of their time bringing insects back to their nest to feed the larvae. But as the colony matures each summer and the queen produces fewer young, there is less larval food to collect.

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Those worker insects then make the switch to feeding on sugary foods and scavenging, which means they're looking out for things like fallen fruit and garbage. And that bottle or can of pop, beer, or energy drink, too-- basically everything at a Minnesota backyard gathering or restaurant patio.

Why Yellowjackets Become More Aggressive in Late Summer and Fall

The U of M also says that if these insects seem more aggressive right now, you're not imagining it; it's a real seasonal phenomenon. Some species DO become much more defensive and persistent in late summer and fall. But they're also suddenly in our space now, which makes the increase feel even more dramatic.

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In a story from August 25th, the U of M notes that this increased activity has already been noted across the state. And after my wife was stung a half-dozen times while walking our dog last weekend, I've heard plenty of anecdotal evidence that there are more wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets out there this year than usual, though the U of M hasn't confirmed it.  Have you noticed more wasps, hornets, and yellowjackets this year? They seem to be EVERYWHERE!

When Will Minnesota’s Wasps and Yellowjackets Finally Disappear?

The good news is that the problem will take care of itself once Mother Nature throws a couple of hard freezes our way, which the DNR says is likely to happen anytime between September 22 and October 21 in southeast Minnesota. Once that happens, the workers and old queens die, and the nest is abandoned.