Springtime Brings Variety of Insects to Oklahoma

From beneficial pollinators to pesky pests, experts warn Oklahomans to watch out for these common spring insects.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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As Oklahoma's springtime weather arrives, a variety of insects are emerging from their winter hiding spots, including red paper wasps, honey bees, crane flies, beetles, and mosquitoes. While some of these insects are valuable parts of the ecosystem, others can pose risks to both plants and humans. An expert from Oklahoma State University provides tips on how to deal with these springtime pests.

Why it matters

Insects play an important role in Oklahoma's ecosystem, acting as pollinators, predators, and more. However, some spring insects can also be a nuisance or even a health risk to residents. Understanding which insects to watch out for and how to properly manage them is crucial for Oklahomans during the spring months.

The details

In early March, red paper wasp queens will be searching for places to build their nests. While it may be tempting to destroy the nests with chemicals, an expert suggests an easier method - scratching off the initial cells at night when the wasps are less active. This will encourage the queen to build her nest elsewhere. Honey bees will also be active, collecting food from springtime flowers. Crane flies, often called 'skeeter hawks', will emerge from grassy areas, though they are not actually related to mosquitoes. Beetles and their larval grub worms will start appearing, potentially causing damage to gardens. Mosquitoes, which can carry diseases like West Nile Virus, thrive in standing water. Several tick species in Oklahoma can also transmit diseases like Lyme disease and trigger allergic reactions.

  • In early March, red paper wasp queens will be searching for nesting sites.
  • By May, a variety of beetle species will complete their development and emerge from the ground.

The players

Andrine Shufran

An OSU Extension specialist and director of OSU's Insect Adventure.

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What they’re saying

“If you choose not to kill those and actually go out in the dark, they won't move; they're blind in the dark. Just take a knife or stick and scratch (off) the one or two cells that they're starting to build.”

— Andrine Shufran, OSU Extension specialist and director of OSU's Insect Adventure (oklahoman.com)

“They're really important if you want to have tomatoes and cucumbers and that sort of thing. But people are so concerned about having them near the doorways, and it's just them protecting their babies.”

— Andrine Shufran, OSU Extension specialist and director of OSU's Insect Adventure (oklahoman.com)

The takeaway

Springtime in Oklahoma brings a diverse array of insects, both beneficial and problematic. By understanding which insects to watch out for and how to properly manage them, Oklahomans can enjoy the season while protecting their homes and gardens from potential pest-related issues.