BOXELDER BUGS
A very dry, late summer means lots of boxelder bugs will
be trying to move inside in the next three-four weeks. They are harmless
but can be quite a nuisance. The nymphs have a red abdomen and the adults
have more black along the back. They will congregate on sunny areas and
if needed, should be controlled before they move under siding. See http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/gardenfacts/X1100.pdf
for details.
WASP SEASON
Although people call them bees the German yellow jacket and other paper wasps have begun their quest for protein and sugar. This puts them in close contact with people and the number of stings goes up dramatically. Food scraps and spilled liquids such as pop in garbage cans, ripe fall fruits, and almost anything you try to eat or drink outdoors will attract them from now until late October. Keep garbage cans clean and fitted with tight lids. Ground nests and nests in the wall should be treated with dusts. For more information see http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG3732.html.
GUB WASP
Not all wasps sting people. This critter is almost 3 inches long and is a type of pelicinid wasp. It is a parasite of the white grubs of June beetles. Almost all of the wasps found are females; males are very rare.
GRASS SPIDER
This is a common spider from the genus Agelenopsis. It makes small funnel webs in lawns and rocky areas. It is harmless but is often mistaken for the brown recluse spider which we do not have in Wisconsin. See http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK1033.html for background information.
Return
to Entomology Home Page