Don’t Let These Dangerous Insects Ruin Your Perfect North Dakota Day

There’s just something magical about the arrival of warmer weather in North Dakota. The sun shines a little brighter, the breeze feels a little sweeter, and suddenly your weekends are filled with mowing, raking, gardening, and for the lucky few—stretching out in a hammock and soaking it all in.

Everything is perfect. Birds are singing. Flowers are blooming. Life is good.

And then...you feel it.
A tiny tickle on your neck.
What is that?!
You jump from your hammock like a cat avoiding a splash of water. Congratulations: you're officially enjoying the other part of North Dakota’s warmer weather—the bugs.

As much as we love the great outdoors, it’s important to know what else might be enjoying the season right along with us. According to World Atlas, there are six insects you should be especially aware of while you’re mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, or reaching for that cold glass of lemonade.

Here’s a rundown of North Dakota’s Most Dangerous Insects—consider yourself warned!

1. Striped Blister Beetle

This little guy doesn't look scary. They may not be huge, but the striped blister beetle packs a punch. Their defensive secret? A chemical called cantharidin, which can cause blistering on human skin. And trust us, it’s not the “fun summer memory” you want to make. Handling them can leave you feeling very sorry you ever decided to pick a pretty wildflower without looking first.

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2. Giant Water Bug

Looking at this thing just makes my skin crawl! Nicknamed the “toe-biter” (because apparently "nightmare fuel" was already taken), the giant water bug is exactly what it sounds like. They can grow up to 4 inches long and pack a powerful bite. They’re usually hanging out in ponds and lakes, so before you dip your toes into that inviting water, just remember—you might not be the only one enjoying the swim.

3. Assassin Bug

If this one was crawling on me, I would just pass out. Despite sounding like a villain in a spy movie, the assassin bug is very real. These bugs have a sneaky way of delivering a nasty, painful bite when threatened. They're great at controlling pests like aphids, but if you accidentally get in their way? Let's just say you’ll be telling everyone at the barbecue about "that time you survived a bug attack."

4. Cow Killer (a.k.a Velvet Ant)

Don't let the fluffy red and black coloring fool you—the cow killer isn’t an ant at all, but a species of wasp. And yes, its sting is so painful that legends claim it could take down a cow (though cows everywhere insist this is an exaggeration). Humans who get stung, however, usually agree that the cow killer more than lives up to its tough reputation.

5. Mosquito

No list would be complete without North Dakota’s unofficial state bird—the mosquito. Sure, they’re tiny, but what they lack in size, they make up for in sheer persistence. Mosquitoes aren't just annoying; they can also carry diseases like West Nile virus. So go ahead, break out the bug spray like you’re prepping for battle—you’ll thank yourself later.

6. Dark Paper Wasp

Imagine a wasp that looks a little like it’s wearing armor, and you’ve got the dark paper wasp. They're less aggressive (they look mean as ever, though) than some of their sting-happy cousins, but if you accidentally stumble upon their nest while trimming the hedges, you’ll find out real fast just how feisty they can be. Pro tip: Always look twice before grabbing the garden shears.

So while you're out enjoying the sunshine—whether you’re mowing, raking, gardening, or simply swaying in the hammock like a human burrito—keep an eye (and a hand) out for these tiny troublemakers. A little awareness (and maybe a healthy amount of bug spray) goes a long way toward keeping your outdoor adventures fun, not frantic.

After all, the only thing you should be swatting at this summer is another slice of watermelon.

Stay safe—and happy hammocking!