Cicada killers, large wasps often seen during summer months, frequently cause apprehension due to their imposing size and name. Despite their appearance, these insects are generally not considered dangerous to humans or household pets. Their behavior and biology differ significantly from more aggressive social wasps, contributing to their relatively harmless nature.
Identifying Cicada Killers
Cicada killers are large, with females reaching up to two inches and males around 1.5 inches. Their bodies are predominantly black with distinctive yellow bands across their abdomen. Their legs and wings exhibit an orangish-red or rusty coloration. Their thick-waisted body shape can lead to misidentification as large hornets or yellowjackets.
Assessing the Threat
Female cicada killers use their stinger primarily to paralyze cicadas for provisioning their underground nests. They rarely sting humans unless directly handled, stepped on, or caught in clothing. For most, a sting is mild, like a pinprick or slight scratch, though some may experience more pain. The venom causes localized pain, redness, and swelling that resolves within a few hours. However, individuals with insect sting allergies could experience severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing or a rapid heartbeat, requiring immediate medical attention.
Male cicada killers do not have a stinger. While males may exhibit territorial behavior, flying close to people or “dive-bombing,” this is a display to ward off perceived threats or investigate for mates, posing no physical danger. For pets, direct interaction with a female cicada killer can result in a painful sting, particularly if a pet attempts to catch or mouth the wasp. If a pet is stung, especially in the mouth, monitoring for swelling or signs of an allergic reaction is advised, and veterinary consultation may be necessary.
Coexisting with Cicada Killers
Cicada killers are solitary wasps, meaning they do not live in social colonies. They emerge during the summer, from late June to early July, and their adult lifespan concludes by September or October, with only one generation per year. These wasps prefer to establish their nests in well-drained, sandy, or loose soil, often in areas exposed to full sunlight.
Coexisting with cicada killers involves minimizing disturbance to them and their nesting sites. Avoiding walking barefoot in active areas can help prevent accidental stings. Modifying the soil environment by increasing moisture, planting dense ground cover, or applying mulch can make areas less appealing for burrowing. While harmless, their burrowing activity can create noticeable soil mounds, which some homeowners may find unsightly. If their presence becomes a persistent nuisance, causes property disruption, or if there are concerns about allergic reactions, professional pest control services can provide targeted management.