In Minnesota, we are used to many creepy crawlers lurking around during the summer months. Now that it’s almost winter, maybe it’s not as terrifying to see some of these since they won’t reappear for a few months. And for those who have visitors in their house this winter, it’s always good to know if your guests are harmful. Here are some of Minnesota’s common and strange bugs and insects and a little info so you know if that shiver down your spine is warranted or not.
- Tick.
Wikimedia/Jim Gathany We all know this guy. He feeds on blood and is not the bug you want hanging around. Also, remember to be careful with removal to not squeeze their contents into your bloodstream.
- Brown marmorated stink bug.
Wikimedia/Yerpo These agricultural pests were accidentally brought to the US and will climb into your home in the winter through siding, into windows, and door frames to wait for warm weather.
- Red Velvet Mite
Wikimedia/Olei Their oil is actually used as a traditional medicine in India despite their scary, red appearance.
- Hag moth [Monkey slug].
Wikimedia/Greg Dwyer Tree and shrub eaters, but these don’t actually present a huge threat to agriculture.
- Weevil.
Wikimedia/Kaldari This guy ruins crops and our pancake mix. Definitely check for them in your dry food from time to time.
- Velvet ant [cow killer].
Wikimedia/ These wasps are known for their very painful sting, and the unusual look that makes them appear to be red velvety ants.
- American Pelecinid Wasp.
Wikimedia/IronChris This definitely looks scary, but it won’t sting you, it actually controls the beetle population.
- Fishing Spider.
Wikimedia/Bryce McQuillan These live in small lakes and ponds and like to eat water-striders.
- Saddleback caterpillar.
Wikimedia/Gerald J. Lenhard, Louiana State Univ These might seem cool and fuzzy, but look, don’t touch, because those little hairs secrete a venom that will cause rashes and swelling.
- Cat-faced spider.
Wikimedia/ Trappist_the_monk Not only do these orb-weaving spiders look super cool, but they are harmless as well, so don’t fear the cat-faced spider.
- Red-backed jumping spider.
Wikimedia/Kaldari This is the most common jumping spider you will find, and although it looks menacing, it is not harmful like its lookalikes - the venomous redback spider or the velvet ant.
- Orb-weaver spider.
Wikimedia/ Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India These guys not only look interesting but build amazingly intricate webs.
Which bugs have you seen from the list? Tell us on the Only In MN Facebook Page!
Wikimedia/Jim Gathany
We all know this guy. He feeds on blood and is not the bug you want hanging around. Also, remember to be careful with removal to not squeeze their contents into your bloodstream.
Wikimedia/Yerpo
These agricultural pests were accidentally brought to the US and will climb into your home in the winter through siding, into windows, and door frames to wait for warm weather.
Wikimedia/Olei
Their oil is actually used as a traditional medicine in India despite their scary, red appearance.
Wikimedia/Greg Dwyer
Tree and shrub eaters, but these don’t actually present a huge threat to agriculture.
Wikimedia/Kaldari
This guy ruins crops and our pancake mix. Definitely check for them in your dry food from time to time.
Wikimedia/
These wasps are known for their very painful sting, and the unusual look that makes them appear to be red velvety ants.
Wikimedia/IronChris
This definitely looks scary, but it won’t sting you, it actually controls the beetle population.
Wikimedia/Bryce McQuillan
These live in small lakes and ponds and like to eat water-striders.
Wikimedia/Gerald J. Lenhard, Louiana State Univ
These might seem cool and fuzzy, but look, don’t touch, because those little hairs secrete a venom that will cause rashes and swelling.
Wikimedia/ Trappist_the_monk
Not only do these orb-weaving spiders look super cool, but they are harmless as well, so don’t fear the cat-faced spider.
Wikimedia/Kaldari
This is the most common jumping spider you will find, and although it looks menacing, it is not harmful like its lookalikes - the venomous redback spider or the velvet ant.
Wikimedia/ Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India
These guys not only look interesting but build amazingly intricate webs.
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