You are out in your backyard and see a large-sized black and yellow wasp go flying by. It looks like it is carrying something. It lands on the other side of your yard and goes into a burrow. It makes you a little nervous to know that such a large wasp in nesting near your home.
QUESTIONS
1. What kind of insect is this?
This is a type of sphecid (SFEE-cid) wasp known as a cicada killer, Sphecius speciousus. They are very large, 1 - 1 ¸ inches long and have distinctive black and yellow patterned abdomens. Like their name suggests, cicada killers prey on cicadas. They capture and paralyze them, returning them to their nests to feed to their young.
2. How many wasps are in the nest?
All sphecid wasps are solitary, i.e. they live by themselves so there is just one wasp per nest. However, sphecids are often gregarious which means that there can be many nests in a relatively small area. If you see one cicada killer nest, you may find more near by. Cicada killers prefer to nest in open, sunny, sandy areas. You are less likely to find them in lawns where the grass is growing thickly.
3. What are the chance for stings?
Despite their fearsome size, there is little concern for stings. While males aggressively patrol their territory and try to chase away people and animals that are close to their nests, they lack a stinger and can not sting. Females have the potential to sting but they are very unaggressive even when harassed.
4. What is the best control?
Tolerate cicada killers whenever possible. They are active for several weeks and will go away on their. Insecticidal control is difficult and often frustrating. If you do attempt, treat each individual burrow with an insecticide labeled for lawns. Dusts are the most effective.
