Scientifically known as the Sphecius speciosus, the cicada killer wasp is one of the most alarming wasp species to Warminster homes and offices. Unfortunately for the mild-mannered insect, its ferocity does not live up to its size. That is, although cicada killer wasps are huge, they are unlikely to sting or behave aggressively unless threatened.
Like many wasps, the males of the species do not have a stinger and thus cannot harm people. Nonetheless, they do dart around and dive bomb in a manner that looks aggressive. Females also may dive bomb, but their stinger is quite weak and not particularly capable of delivering a painful wound.
Still, with their size and habit of darting around in the air, many people fear the cicada killer wasp, and with the female's digging activity in yards, they may not be a desirable guest. Dealing with an infestation of these insects never is easy, but a knowledgeable pest management professional can handle it with little difficulty.
WHAT DO CICADA KILLER WASPS LOOK LIKE?
Their size is what makes most cicada killer wasps appear so fearsome. It is not unusual for adult females to measure as much as two-inches long, though males typically are less than half this size. The insect's abdomen, which is located behind its incredibly thin waist is black with yellow stripes. Orange or pale red legs are common, and the wings are a translucent yellowish or brownish color. Unlike other wasp species, these wings are held straight out from the insect's body when at rest instead of being folded along the sides of the body. The head usually is a dull red.
WHAT DO
CICADA KILLER
WASPS EAT?
Adults eat only items like fermented sap that is gathered from trees and flower nectar. Nonetheless, they are dedicated to hunting cicadas, which are used to provide sustenance to the next generation of cicada killer wasps. Females of the species strike and stun cicadas while flying, causing them to tumble to the ground. The cicada killer wasp then uses its stinger to paralyze their prey before dragging it up a tall plant or a tree. From here, she holds the prey upside down, straddles it and then flies to her nest.
Once at the entrance to the underground nest, the female drags the cicada through a tunnel and into a nesting chamber. An egg is deposited on the legs of the cicada, and then the cell is sealed. Within a few days, larvae hatch and begin feeding on the cicada's internal tissues before overwintering in a cocoon. They emerge from the nest as adults in the following summer.
WHERE DO CICADA KILLER WASPS LIVE?
Female cicada killer wasps are quite selective about where they build their underground nests. They look for soil that is well-drained and light textured. Full sunlight is best, and it is ideal if the nests can be located close to trees where cicadas live.
Nests commonly are found adjacent to the edges of patios, driveways or sidewalks, but they also may be found in gardens and lawns. Adept diggers, the female cicada killer wasp may bring up to 100 cubic inches of soil to the surface while she creates tunnels and chambers. Such accumulations of dirt may be capable of smothering grass and small plants.
Although they are solitary rather than social, once cicada killer wasps have established a presence in a yard, their numbers can grow quickly, causing a large scale problem.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY CICADA KILLER WASPS
Cicada killer wasps have no interest in people's homes, cars or other structures. Still, when a homeowner is trying to maintain a healthy lawn or an attractive flower bed, the presence of cicada killer wasps can be enormously annoying.
Moreover, people frequently cannot readily identify cicada killer wasps from other stinging species. This, coupled with their unusual size, can make people distinctly uneasy, and some individuals may even panic when they encounter these wasps.
ARE CICADA KILLER WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
Despite their size and their tendency to dart aggressively during flight, stings from cicada killer wasps are rare. This is because these insects generally are docile when compared with other wasp species. Still, people frequently misinterpret the cicada killer wasp's intentions, causing them to swat at these insects. This behavior may incite a stinging attack.
DO CICADA KILLER WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
Being stung by a cicada killer wasp will not transmit any illness. In fact, most people describe this wasp's sting as being similar to a scratch from a pin, which means that recovery typically is quick and virtually painless.
Still, it is possible that some individuals will have a stronger reaction that may include redness, warmth and swelling at the site of the sting. A person who is having a large local reaction may suffer from feelings of extreme fatigue and nausea.
People who are allergic to stings also may have a systemic reaction that involves flushing of the skin, red bumps across the skin's surface and difficulty breathing. Some such reactions are mild, but others may be life-threatening. A severe reaction may include symptoms such as low blood pressure and disturbances to the circulatory system. Cardiorespiratory arrest also can occur.
HOW TO DETECT CICADA KILLER WASPS
Signs of a wasp issue include:
• Widespread soil disturbances in gardens and lawns • Large amounts of soil deposited around patios, sidewalks and driveways • Extremely large insects flying aggressively around the property
HOW TO PREVENT CICADA KILLER WASPS
To help protect against cicada killer wasp problems the following steps should be taken:
• Schedule regular pest control treatments to limit the cicada population • Repair sparse areas in lawns • Cut grass using the mower's highest setting • Drench gardens at the first signs of burrows • Cover tunnel openings with garden geotextiles • Add a thick layer of mulch to garden beds
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.
