Common Missouri Stinging Insects

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are Missouri's most problematic stinging insect for homeowners. Unlike paper wasps, yellow jackets are highly aggressive in defense of their nests and will pursue perceived threats for significant distances. Their nests are frequently located in underground burrows, wall voids, and structural cavities — locations that make accidental disturbance likely. Late summer yellow jacket colonies can contain thousands of workers, and late-season colonies (August–October) are at peak population and maximum defensiveness. Ground nest yellow jackets are responsible for the majority of serious stinging incidents in Missouri each year.

Bald-Faced Hornets

The large gray paper-mâché nests found hanging from tree limbs, eaves, and shrubs throughout Missouri belong to bald-faced hornets — large black-and-white wasps that are aggressive defenders of their nests within a substantial radius. Nests that are away from human activity can often be left alone; nests in high-traffic areas near entries, children's play areas, or outdoor seating warrant removal. Do not attempt to remove bald-faced hornet nests without professional equipment — the defensive response is rapid and the colony can be large.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps build the small open-comb nests found under eaves, in door frames, and in sheltered exterior locations. They are significantly less aggressive than yellow jackets and will typically not sting unless the nest is directly disturbed. Small paper wasp nests in low-traffic locations can often be treated with a quick evening application of a freeze-type aerosol product followed by nest removal; large nests or nests in difficult locations warrant professional treatment.

Cicada Killers

The large solitary wasps that appear in July and August — often alarming homeowners with their size — are cicada killers, a beneficial species that despite its intimidating appearance is non-aggressive and rarely stings. Males are territorial and will hover aggressively near burrows but cannot sting; females can sting but rarely do. Cicada killer management is rarely warranted unless burrow density is creating lawn damage.

When to Call a Professional

Professional stinging insect treatment is the right call for: any nest located inside a wall void or structural cavity; any yellow jacket ground nest near human activity; any bald-faced hornet nest near entries or play areas; and any situation involving a household member with known venom allergy. D&D Pest Control serves Franklin County and rural Missouri for stinging insect treatment. Visit ddpestcontrolmo.com.