The Eastern Cicada Wasp (Sphecius speciosus) is a common summer presence due to its imposing size and burrowing activity. These large, solitary wasps establish nests in lawns, gardens, and sandy areas. Their burrowing can create unsightly dirt mounds and destabilize turf, leading people to seek effective methods for eradication and prevention. The following approaches detail control methods, ranging from non-chemical intervention to targeted insecticide application and long-term landscape modification.
Identifying the Cicada Wasp
The Cicada Wasp is one of the largest wasp species, with adults reaching up to two inches in length. They have a black body marked with yellow bands across the abdomen and possess reddish-orange wings. While intimidating, the female wasp is not generally aggressive and will only sting if she is mishandled or accidentally stepped on. Male wasps are territorial and may aggressively “dive-bomb” intruders, but they lack a stinger. The female digs burrows in the ground, preferring well-drained, sandy, or loose soil, leaving a noticeable pile of excavated dirt around the entrance.
Non-Chemical Elimination Techniques
Targeting individual burrows with non-chemical solutions is an effective way to manage a localized infestation. The most successful methods involve intervening directly into the nest entrance at night or dusk, when the female wasp is typically inside. Pouring boiling water directly into the burrow can kill both the adult wasp and the developing larvae within the nesting chamber. This method requires precision to ensure the hot water reaches the deepest parts of the tunnel, which can extend up to four feet.
Another localized treatment involves using a solution of liquid dish soap and water. The soapy mixture should be poured generously into the burrow entrance, where the detergent breaks down the wasp’s protective waxy exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death. For individual wasps encountered outside the nest, a direct spray of the soap solution can be effective. Homeowners can also use physical removal, such as swatting or stepping on individual adults, though this carries a risk of provoking a sting from a female.
Targeted Insecticide Application
The targeted application of insecticidal dust directly into the nest is the most reliable method for elimination. Dust formulations, such as those containing carbaryl or permethrin, are recommended because they can travel deep into the tunnels of the burrow. The dust adheres to the wasp’s body as it enters or exits, carrying the active ingredient further into the nest to contaminate the female and her provisions. This application should be performed at night or late evening when the wasps are resting inside the burrow, maximizing contact.
Using a hand duster or a turkey baster allows for precise placement of the chemical deep into the entrance hole. It is important not to disturb the soil mound before application, as this may cause the female to abandon the tunnel and begin excavating a new burrow nearby. Always follow the safety precautions and instructions listed on the product label, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. For large or recurring infestations, consulting a licensed pest control professional may be the safest and most thorough option.
Making the Landscape Less Appealing
Prevention focuses on modifying the environment to make the area unsuitable for the wasp’s nesting habits. Cicada wasps prefer to dig burrows in areas with bare, dry, or sandy soil exposed to full sunlight. Promoting a thick, healthy stand of turf is effective, as the dense root structure and grass cover create a physical barrier against burrowing. Maintaining a taller mowing height during the summer months further discourages access to the soil surface.
Increasing soil moisture is another deterrent, as the wasps avoid saturated ground for nest construction. Regular, deep watering of the lawn and garden beds during the wasp’s active season in July and August helps make the soil less hospitable. Applying a layer of mulch, approximately two to four inches deep, over any exposed soil areas also acts as a physical barrier and helps retain moisture, preventing the wasps from establishing new nests.