Cicada killers, also known as ground digger wasps, look like oversized bees. It’s natural to be alarmed if you see them buzzing around your lawn and garden, but it’s really the cicadas who should be worried, as these aggressive insects live up to their name. Here’s what you need to know about these cicada killers.
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What Are Cicada Killers?
Like their name suggests, cicada killers have but one mission: kill cicadas. They’re not doing it to feed themselves, though; their preferred diet is actually plant nectar. Instead, they bring back their prey to feed their newly hatched larvae waiting beneath the ground in tunnels that their doting mothers have created to protect them.
The females have the stingers—not the males—so they are the aggressors. When a female cicada killer is on the hunt, she will sting a cicada, paralyzing it. She then takes it on a one-way flight back to her burrow, where she proceeds to lay an egg on the cicada. Two to four days later, the egg hatches and the larvae then has sustenance for one or two weeks. The satisfied larvae will then build cocoons of silk as protection all winter long.
For humans, or really, anything thing that’s not a cicada, cicada killers probably won’t bother you, unless you actually try to catch one in your hands. Their sting doesn’t hurt as much as a wasp’s sting, but they could cause an allergic reaction for some. Still, it’s the cicadas that are their preferred prey. But if you are averse to bugs or if you’ve been stung by a wasp or bee at some point, it’s understandable that you might be alarmed if you have one of them buzzing (rather loudly) about.
Strangely enough, it’s probably the stingerless male who’s following you around because the females are busy feeding their young. The males tend to be very territorial, and they might even pretend to sting—an odd habit known as “pseudo-stinging.” But they are far more annoying than harmful, and the best thing to do is simply walk away from the area.
How to Identify Cicada Killers
| Type | Color | Antenna Shape | Wings | Size | Region/States |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus) | Black body with light yellow stripes | Curved | Light brown/amber wings | Around 1.5”; can be up to 2”. The females are a bit larger than the males. | Eastern and Midwest U.S.; Mexico; Central America |
| Western cicada killer (Sphecius grandis) | Orange, yellow, and brown | Curved | Light brown/amber wings | 1.18" to 1.96" | Midwest and Western U.S.; Mexico |
| Pacific cicada killer (Sphecius convallis) | Reddish brown with bands of yellow | Curved | Light brown/amber wings | 1.5” | Western U.S. and Mexico |
What Are the Signs That You Have a Cicada Killer Infestation?
If you see holes in sand or soil, and especially if there are piles of sand or soil next to those holes, you might have a cicada killer nest in your midst. Should your garden not be thriving amidst evidence of these holes, cicada killers might be to blame. And if you see that bricks or stones in a walkway or patio are starting to loosen or pop up, cicada killers could be the cause there, too.
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What Damage Can Cicada Killers Cause to You and Your Home?
Cicada killers aren’t capable of causing damage to your home on the scale of, say, termites or carpenter ants. But left unchecked, they can cause some damage to your lawn, garden, and yard.
There’s a good reason these insects are also called ground digger wasps: Cicada killers tunnel into the ground, digging burrows where they will lay their eggs. The underground activity is enough to displace several pounds of sand or soil. If you’ve got a stone or paver surface, such as a patio or walkway, on top of a burgeoning cicada killer nest, the shifting soil could be enough to push the stones or pavers out of place.
If the cicada killers are burrowing underneath a garden, they could damage the roots and kill off flowers or vegetation.
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How to Get Rid of Cicada Killers
A well-watered garden or lawn might be all it takes to keep cicada killers away, as they don’t like moist soil. But if they’ve already started to burrow their way into your yard or garden, you need to spray an insecticide containing Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, into the holes to kill off both the adults and the larvae.
This type of insecticide can be harmful if inhaled, so it’s best to cover your face and eyes if you plan to DIY it. However, the safer bet when it comes to using any chemical pesticide is to let the pros handle it.
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How Much Does It Cost to Remove Cicada Killers?
Cicada killer removal costs an average of $350, with a range between $200 and $500. The removal is the same procedure as removing a wasp’s nest because regular wasps are normally settling in above ground, such as in tree branches, while cicada killers make their home in the ground
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kills cicada killers?
Insecticides sprayed into the holes that lead to their underground burroughs is most effective; spraying in the general area is not as effective. Make sure to read the labels of any insecticide you purchase if you plan to DIY it; you’ll want to take precautions to protect yourself and the humans and animals part of your household.
Should you kill a cicada killer?
Not by swatting at it you shouldn’t. If you’re worried about one buzzing around you, simply walk away from it. You are not its prey; cicadas are. However, if there is evidence of an infestation, it’s time to call in a professional exterminator.
How do you get rid of cicada killers naturally?
If you believe there are cicada killers burrowing beneath your garden, a thorough watering might do the trick. Not only will the water push the soil back into place, but it might evict the insects, who do not like wet soil.
How do you keep cicada killers from coming back?
There are some preventative measures you can take to prevent the return of cicada killers. For starters, maintain a healthy, well-hydrated lawn. Cicada killers don’t like moist soil, and they also don’t like taller grass, so set your lawn mower to a higher cut setting. If you see holes in the ground that look like the entrance of burrows, spray some insecticide at night so you can catch the adults while they’re at home.
