Cicada killer wasps are a common sight in many areas during the summer months. These large insects are often seen flying around yards and gardens. Their presence can sometimes cause concern due to their appearance and buzzing flight.
Understanding Cicada Killer Wasp Behavior
Despite their intimidating size, cicada killer wasps are not aggressive towards humans. These wasps are solitary; each female builds her own nest and hunts for her offspring, unlike social wasps such as yellowjackets or hornets that defend a communal colony. Their primary focus is hunting cicadas, which they paralyze with a sting to provision their underground nests for their larvae.
Male cicada killer wasps, though they patrol territories aggressively, lack a stinger and cannot sting humans. Their seemingly aggressive flights are attempts to investigate potential mates or deter rival males. These territorial displays, though intimidating, pose no danger to people.
When Stings Occur
Female cicada killer wasps possess a stinger, but they rarely use it defensively against humans. They reserve their sting primarily for paralyzing their cicada prey. A sting from a female cicada killer occurs only if she is roughly handled, stepped on, or becomes trapped in clothing.
A female cicada killer sting is mild, often compared to a pinprick, unless an individual has an allergic reaction. Because their sting is used for prey capture and is energy-intensive, females are unlikely to sting unless they perceive an immediate threat.
Identifying Cicada Killer Wasps
Cicada killer wasps are among the largest wasps in North America, with females reaching up to 1.5 to 2 inches in length. They have stout bodies with a black abdomen marked by three bright yellow bands. Their head and thorax are rust-colored to dark brown, and their wings are transparent and amber.
These wasps are sometimes mistaken for hornets or other large stinging insects due to their size and coloration. However, cicada killers have a narrower head compared to their shoulders, and their yellow abdominal markings have jagged or broken edges, differentiating them from hornets which have smoother bands. Their large size and characteristic U-shaped soil mounds at burrow entrances also aid in identification.
Living Alongside Cicada Killer Wasps
Cicada killer wasps are active during the summer, from late June or early July until September or October. Since these wasps are solitary and not aggressive towards humans, direct intervention is unnecessary. Their presence is temporary, lasting for about 60 to 75 days in a given area.
To coexist with cicada killer wasps, observe them from a distance and avoid their burrowing sites. Their burrowing activity is temporary. Maintaining a thick, healthy lawn can help deter them, as they prefer sparse, well-drained soil for nesting.