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Pests and pest control in Minnesota

Pests to know in Minnesota

Why each one matters here is cited in the sections below.

Pests documented in Minnesota

From public GBIF occurrence records since 1990. A record means a species was documented in Minnesota, not that it's common near you.

Many public records (629)

Fewer public records (149)

Range named by extension sources (4)

Termites in Minnesota

Subterranean termites are uncommon to rare in Minnesota and are generally seen only in the southern third of the state.[2]

Invasive species reported here

Emerald ash borer is spreading in Minnesota, and the state Department of Agriculture quarantines infested areas to limit movement of firewood and ash material.[3]

Pests local experts flag

  • Boxelder bugs often become a problem in Minnesota homes in fall, when they move indoors looking for a warm place to spend the winter.[4]
  • The blacklegged (deer) tick causes by far the most tickborne disease in Minnesota.[5]

Public agencies that handle pests

  • The Minnesota Department of Health tracks West Nile virus, which was found in Minnesota in 2002, and publishes statistics and county maps of positive birds, horses and humans.[6]
  • In the Twin Cities area, the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District has worked to protect the public from mosquitoes, black flies and ticks since 1958.[7]

Hiring a licensed company

Minnesota's pesticide regulatory agency is the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (Pesticide & Fertilizer Management Division).[1]

Licensing agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture — Pesticide & Fertilizer Management Division[1].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

University of Minnesota Extension has offices in every Minnesota county and an Ask a question page that lists contacts by subject, including insects.[8]

Local guides in Minnesota

Through the year

Spring to Summer
In Minnesota, blacklegged tick nymphs become active in mid-May and peak from late May through June.[5]

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. University of Minnesota Extension, “What insect is this? Subterranean termites.” apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/indoor/flies/medium/subterranean-termites.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. Minnesota Department of Agriculture, “Emerald Ash Borer Continues to Spread Across Minnesota.” www.mda.state.mn.us/emerald-ash-borer-continues-spread-across-minnesota (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. University of Minnesota Extension, “Boxelder bugs.” extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/home-maintenance/household-insects/boxelder-bugs (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. Minnesota Department of Health, “Ticks.” www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/tickborne/ticks.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. Minnesota Department of Health, “West Nile Virus (WNV).” www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/westnile/index.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, “Home - Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.” www.mmcd.org/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  8. University of Minnesota Extension, “Contact us.” extension.umn.edu/about/i-want-to/ask-a-question (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-06. Every statement on this page comes from the cited state, federal or university source. Spot an error? Tell us.