Utah’s diverse climate and geography create ideal habitats for numerous stinging insects, from beneficial pollinators to aggressive defenders of their nests. Whether you’re hiking in the Wasatch Mountains or maintaining your backyard in Salt Lake City, you’ll likely encounter at least one of these species during warmer months.
Understanding which stinging insects live in your area helps you respond appropriately to encounters, distinguish between helpful species and potential threats, and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.
This guide covers eight stinging insects commonly found throughout Utah, detailing their identification features, behavioral patterns, nesting preferences, and the level of concern each species presents. You’ll learn how to recognize each insect on sight and understand when to exercise caution versus when to simply appreciate these creatures from a respectful distance.
1. Honeybee
Honeybees are among the most recognizable and ecologically valuable stinging insects in Utah. These industrious pollinators measure between 12-15mm in length and display distinctive golden-brown and black banded coloring across their fuzzy bodies. Their rounded, compact build and dense body hair distinguish them from the sleeker appearance of wasps and hornets…