7 Types of Wasps in Missouri

In Missouri, a wide variety of wasp species thrive within its diverse ecosystems. From paper wasps to mud daubers, these insects play essential roles in the state’s environment. This blog aims to unravel the different types of wasps in Missouri, shedding light on their behaviors, habitats, and ecological significance within the region.

Keep reading to learn more about the many wasps we have in the Kansas City Metro and how Absolute Pest Control can protect you from these stinging pests!

Social wasps live in colonies containing numerous individuals. These colonies can range from a few hundred to several thousand wasps, often nestled in elaborately constructed nests underground, in trees, or attached to structures.  

The hives are made from a papery material crafted from shaven wood fibers mixed with the insects’ saliva. Social wasp hives serve as the central hub for the colony’s activities and host the queen and eggs. 

Social wasps typically display defensive behavior when their nests are disturbed. While these nests can be fascinating in structure, they can pose a threat to humans, especially when established near human activity.

In contrast to social wasps, solitary wasps do not form colonies. They live and hunt alone, exhibiting less aggressive behavior toward humans compared to their counterparts. Solitary wasps, like mud daubers and cicada killers, create individual burrows rather than elaborate colonies. 

Each female solitary wasp typically constructs her own nest and stores her eggs within. As they begin to hatch, the female wasp will supply her young with prey like spiders or other small insects. 

Missouri has a host of social wasps within its borders. From the highly aggressive yellowjacket wasp to the large and in charge European hornet, there’s no limit to the pests you may see building on your property.

Take a look at some of the common wasps found in the Show-Me State. 

Yellow jackets are social wasps easily recognized by their black and yellow markings. Missouri is home to several species of yellow jackets, including the Eastern yellow jacket (Vespula maculifrons) and the German yellow jacket (Vespula germanica). 

These wasps typically construct their nests underground in abandoned rodent burrows or hollow spaces, but they can also build aerial nests in bushes or wall cavities, albeit rare. 

Colonies start with a single queen in the spring, gradually expanding to hundreds or thousands of individuals by late summer. Yellow jackets are aggressive defenders of these nests and can sting repeatedly if threatened.

Paper wasps in Missouri, such as the Northern paper wasp (Polistes fuscatus), build distinctive open-comb nests often found under eaves, on tree branches, or attached to man-made structures. 

Unlike yellow jackets, paper wasps are generally less aggressive but will sting if they perceive a threat to their nest. These wasps have slender bodies with long legs and prey on caterpillars and other insects.

Bald-faced hornets, while commonly referred to as hornets, are actually a type of yellow jacket and not true hornets. They build large, spherical nests made of paper-like material, often attached to trees or buildings. 

These nests can house several hundred individuals. Like yellowjackets, bald-faced hornets are protective of their nests and will aggressively defend them if threatened. Their stings can be painful and dangerous to those allergic to their venom.

European hornets are an invasive species in North America, including Missouri. They are larger than most native wasps and have brown and yellow markings on their bodies. 

Similar to bald-faced hornets, European hornets construct large nests, often in hollow trees, attics, or wall cavities. Their stings can be quite painful, and they can be a nuisance around human habitation.

These independent insects, including mud daubers, cicada killers, and great golden digger wasps, thrive across Missouri’s diverse landscapes. Rather than constructing elaborate communal nests, solitary wasps create individual burrows or nests, each female responsible for provisioning and caring for her offspring. 

Mud daubers are solitary wasps known for their unique mud nests. They are relatively docile and do not pose a significant threat to humans. These wasps construct tubular mud nests in sheltered locations like under eaves, bridges, or within buildings. 

Each tube contains several cells where the female mud dauber lays eggs and provisions them with paralyzed spiders, which serve as food for the developing larvae. Different species of mud daubers have distinct preferences for the types of spiders they hunt and store in their nests.

Cicada killers are large solitary wasps that prey on cicadas. These impressive wasps excavate burrows in sandy or well-drained soils where they lay eggs and provision the nests with paralyzed cicadas. 

The female cicada killer hunts for cicadas, paralyzes them with venom, and transports them back to the nest. Once back in her abode, she’ll lay eggs on the paralyzed prey, allowing the larvae to feed on the cicadas.

Despite their size and the loud buzzing sound the males produce while guarding territories, cicada killers are generally not aggressive toward humans. They only sting if directly handled or threatened.

Great golden digger wasps are solitary ground-nesting wasps found in Missouri. These large wasps have a metallic sheen and distinctive reddish-brown wings. 

They excavate burrows in well-drained soil and provide each nest cell with a paralyzed katydid or cricket as food for their larvae. Great golden digger wasps are solitary and do not form colonies, and while they may appear intimidating due to their size, they are not typically aggressive toward humans.

Wasps are a common sight in Missouri, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with them alone! Knowing how to safely approach and live with wasps can help you avoid painful stings and rough encounters. 

Regularly inspect your property for wasp nests, especially during warmer months. Pay attention to eaves, tree branches, and other potential nesting spots. If you find a nest, keep a safe distance and do not disturb them.

Additionally, seal cracks, gaps, and holes where wasps could enter your home. Ensure screens on windows and doors are intact to prevent wasps from gaining access indoors.

Wasps are also easily attracted to food from any source. Dispose of food waste properly by keeping trash cans sealed. Clean up food spills promptly, as they can attract foraging wasps.

If wasp nests are located near high-traffic areas or pose a threat, seek professional help for safe removal and control. Here’s how we can help!

Absolute Pest Control, serving the Kansas City Metro area, offers comprehensive solutions for wasp infestations:

• Inspection and Identification: Trained professionals from Absolute Pest Control can accurately identify the species of wasps and locate their nests on your property.
• Safe Removal: Using specialized equipment and safe removal techniques, the team removes wasp nests without posing risks to occupants or property.
• Preventive Measures: Absolute Pest Control offers suggestions to stop future infestations by sealing entry points and using methods to discourage wasps from nesting on or near your property
• Customized Solutions: Tailored treatment plans are offered based on the severity of the infestation and the specific needs of each property.

Homeowners in the Kansas City Metro area can rely on Absolute Pest Control’s professional and dedicated team to tackle wasps in Missouri.

If you’re facing wasp-related issues, our expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction make us a reliable choice for addressing and resolving pest concerns in the Kansas City Metro area.

Contact us today!