Cicada killer wasps are a common pest that is found in warmer climates within the United States. Their appearance is quite intimidating, with large wings and an oversized body that makes it look like a combination between a bee and a hornet. Not actually related to the cicada at all, a cicada killer wasp will hunt and feed on cicadas as food. It is the female that is most aggressive, as they are the ones that have the stinger. When left alone, the cicada killer wasp will typically stay to itself, leaving humans alone unless they feel threatened.
Langhorne homes and businesses may find the need to remove the cicada killer wasps if a nest is present or there seems to be an issue with aggressive cicada killers in the vicinity of where human traffic is occurring. Addressing the issue with the assistance of a professional can take care of the immediate problem while preventing a cicada killer wasp infestation in the future.
WHAT DO CICADA KILLER WASPS LOOK LIKE?
The cicada killer wasp is larger in size than a typical wasp. As an example, a wasp of another variety is usually around ½ inch in size. The cicada killer wasp is at least 1.5 inches long but can grow as large as 2 inches. The size of this insect is largely due to the prey that is consumed by this species of insect. Cicadas are quite large, measuring approximately one to two inches.
In regard to color, the cicada killer wasp has a head and thorax that are brown in color. The legs are orange, with the abdomen very dark in color- almost black. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a male and female cicada wasp killer. The males are usually a little smaller in size, which can be spotted when the wasp is not flying.
WHAT DO CICADA KILLER WASPS EAT?
As the name suggests, the cicada killer wasp feeds on cicadas that are subdued in nature. The cicada is not actually killed immediately. Rather, the venom inside the stinger of the wasp will result in paralysis after a sting. The cicada is then consumed by the cicada killer wasp once it is taken back to the nest.
Generally speaking, cicadas are the only meal of prey acceptable to the cicada killer wasp. Adult cicada killer wasps will also feed on nectar from flowers, tree sap and plants when cicadas are not readily accessible. Cicadas typically come out of their nests in the months of May to June, which is when the cicada killer wasp will have a meal readily available.
WHERE DO CICADA KILLER WASPS LIVE?
The cicada killer wasp species is found in the eastern portion of the United States, and throughout Pennsylvania and nearby regions. Cicada killers create burrows in the soil, but in sandy or loosely packed areas. This area is typically in full sunlight, with the cicada killer wasp creating the home around nearby trees where cicadas are living.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY CICADA KILLER WASPS
Because the cicada killer wasp is a solitary insect that does not nest with other wasps, nests are often hard to distinguish. When a number of cicadas have made nests in the same vicinity, an issue can be more apparent because of multiple holes in one area of a lawn. The issue is usually that a cicada killer wasp is acting aggressively because of feeling threatened. The damage done is somewhat minimal, with the natural control of cicadas being a benefit of these insects existing around an area.
ARE CICADA KILLER WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
The cicada killer wasp will generally act very subdued and solitary until there is a threat nearby. A human may not be aware of a ground nest with a cicada killer wasp inside, but the wasp will notice activity and become aggressive. The females are the ones that have a stinger, while the male will not be able to sting due to a lack of a stinger. However, the males will sometimes attempt to act aggressively as a defensive tactic. There is no real threat to human safety.
DO CICADA KILLER WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
The cicada killer wasp does not typically transmit any kind of disease to humans or pets. However, a sting from a female can result in irritation or an allergic reaction when an allergy or sensitivity is present. This can include symptoms such as hives, excessive itching, a rash, trouble breathing and swelling around the area of the sting.
HOW TO DETECT CICADA KILLER WASPS
Signs of a cicada killer wasp control problem include:
• Gritty or grainy accumulations of soil on the ground • Small holes on the ground or along dirt paths • The presence of aggressive cicada killer wasps that appear to be defending a nest • A large prevalence of cicada killer wasps near a tree that is home to cicadas • Cicada killer wasps typically have a very loud buzz that may be noticeable when a problem is present. • One or more people being stung by a wasp that fits the description of a cicada killer wasp. This shows that the insect is acting aggressively, which typically means that a nest is nearby.
HOW TO PREVENT WOOD CICADA KILLER WASPS
To help protect against cicada killer wasp issues the following steps should be taken:
• Maintain a lawn with a high grass setting to make it difficult for the cicada killer wasp to successfully dig nest holes • Keep grass and areas of dirt watered to prevent very dry and loose conditions • Promptly address any holes that are found in the earth, so the cicada killer wasp does not have the opportunity to reproduce and multiply • If bare areas of soil are present on a property, these spaces should be covered with some sort of turf, grass or vegetation. The same goes for sandy areas. Sand is a nesting material that makes it easy for a cicada killer wasp to create a home.
HOW TO TREAT FOR CICADA KILLER WASPS
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a multi-faceted approach for treating hornets and wasps that have become problematic for area homes and businesses. Our methodology involves making use of the most appropriate detection, prevention, and treatments methods available. By combining these measures, we ensure that your home or business remains free of wasps and hornets.
