Bugs and spiders in Minnesota

What to watch for in Minnesota

Two ticks are established and well recorded in Minnesota: the American dog tick, the most recorded, and the blacklegged tick, which can spread Lyme disease and other infections. Remove any attached tick promptly and watch for fever or rash. Lone star tick records exist, but it is not known to live here, and those finds may be hitchhikers on people or pets. The brown dog tick is established too, but it is mostly an indoor tick of dogs.

The northern black widow is established but rarely recorded. A bite from an adult female can cause spreading pain and cramps, so get medical advice if you think you were bitten, or call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222). Among the Be-careful species, people most often run into European paper wasps, eastern yellowjackets and dark fishing spiders.

Through the year

Spring

Boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles that spent the winter inside try to get back out on warm days, and American dog ticks become active in April.

Summer

Paper wasps nest around the outside of the house, zebra jumping spiders are most seen on sunny days, and dark fishing spiders are seen around the house.

Fall

Boxelder bugs start moving in during late August, conifer seed bugs and stink bugs follow in September, and barn funnel weaver males wander in again.

Winter

House centipedes can be seen year-round, Indianmeal moths are most noticed between November and February, and a few overwintered bugs show on warm days.