The Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp, with its imposing size and buzzing flight, often triggers apprehension. This large insect’s appearance can lead many to believe it poses a significant threat. However, despite its formidable looks, the Eastern Cicada Killer is generally not dangerous to humans. This article will clarify the true nature of these wasps and their interactions with people.
Understanding Eastern Cicada Killer Wasps
Eastern Cicada Killer Wasps (Sphecius speciosus) are among the largest wasps in the Eastern United States, with females reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length, while males are somewhat smaller. Their bodies are robust, featuring black to reddish-brown abdominal segments marked with distinctive light yellow stripes. Their wings are typically brownish or rust-colored and translucent.
These wasps are solitary digger wasps, meaning each female constructs her own nest rather than living in a communal colony like hornets or yellowjackets. Their primary behavior is hunting cicadas. The female wasps dig burrows in the ground, often in well-drained, loose soil exposed to sunlight, which can be up to 20 inches deep and 1.5 inches wide, with some tunnels extending several feet. Once a burrow is prepared, the female hunts cicadas, paralyzing them with a sting, and then transports them back to the burrow to provision cells for her offspring.
Assessing the Danger to Humans
Female cicada killer wasps possess a stinger, but they are remarkably non-aggressive and rarely sting unless directly provoked, mishandled, or accidentally stepped on. They do not instinctively defend their nests with the same aggression seen in social wasps like yellowjackets.
The sting of a female cicada killer is primarily used to paralyze cicadas, not as a defense mechanism against larger threats like humans. While a sting can occur if the wasp feels threatened, it is often described as being less painful than a bee or hornet sting, sometimes compared to a pinprick. Male cicada killers, although they may appear to “dive-bomb” or investigate anything that moves near their territories, do not possess a stinger and are completely harmless to humans. As with any insect sting, a rare possibility of an allergic reaction exists for sensitive individuals, but severe reactions are uncommon.
Coexisting with Cicada Killers
Given their non-aggressive nature, coexisting with Eastern Cicada Killer Wasps is often the recommended approach. Observing them from a distance is usually sufficient, as they are primarily focused on their cicada hunting and nesting activities. Their presence can be beneficial, as they help control cicada populations, which can damage trees by laying eggs in branches.
However, if a high concentration of burrows appears in a high-traffic area, such as a playground or frequently used lawn, intervention might be considered. Even in such cases, cultural practices like watering the lawn deeply or maintaining taller grass can discourage nesting, as they prefer dry, bare soil.