If you've seen cicada killer wasps flying around your property, we completely understand why you've sought out this article. These two-inch wasps look like something out of a horror movie. But, before you allow panic to set in--if it hasn't already--take a quick look at this fact sheet on cicada killer wasps.
Important Facts About Cicada Killer Wasps
While these wasps are definitely scary to have around, they are no more dangerous than a paper wasp. Like paper wasps, Cicada killer wasps are solitary insects; which means they don't swarm or act as a collective like Africanized honey bees or yellow jackets do.
The female of this species can sting, but it is not inclined to. Most stings happen because of accidental contact.
The male of this species isn't able to sting. While males can be quite aggressive when you get near their nesting area, you don't have to worry. Their bark is worse than their bite. But this aggressive behavior--though not dangerous--can be nerve-wracking, especially due to their size.
Cicada killer bees feed primarily on cicada bugs. If you have lots of cicadas near your home, this will lure cicada killer wasps in.
Sandy areas and sandboxes are prime nesting places for these wasps, but they've also been found nesting in gardens, lawns, and flower beds. These nests usually have an opening about the size of a dime, with a mound of dirt around them. But, when large numbers of wasps make a nest, the exit holes can be much larger.
The real threat cicada killer bees will pose is in the way they can damage the root system of a lawn. So, besides having unsightly mounds of dirt, you can also expect areas of dead grass when these pests invade.
The main focus of the cicada killer wasp is the pursuit of killing cicada and bringing them back to feed their young.
When a cicada killer wasp kills a cicada, the shriek of agony made by the Cicada is considered by some to be quite disturbing.
Adult cicada killer wasps feed on the sap from trees and nectar from flowers.
If having giant wasps flying around your home gives you the creeps, give us a call. We'll protect your lawn from damage, reduce the amount of agonizing cicada squeals you'll have to listen to, and keep these giant wasps from flying at you in a threatening manner--just because you had the audacity to walk around in your own backyard.
It may not be dangerous to have cicada killer wasps in your yard but it certainly isn't fun. Take your backyard back with pest control services from Thomas Pest Services.