Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp Facts and Information

The Eastern Cicada Killer Wasp is a fascinating insect that's often misunderstood. These wasps are actually beneficial to the environment.

They are known for their distinctive size, with some females reaching lengths of up to 2 inches. This is impressive for a wasp.

Eastern Cicada Killers are solitary wasps, meaning they don't live in colonies like some other types of wasps. They are also non-aggressive and will only sting in self-defense.

Their diet consists mainly of cicadas, which they paralyze and store in their nests for later feeding. This unique relationship between the wasp and cicada is a vital part of the ecosystem.

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Eastern cicada killers are solitary wasps that build their nests underground, typically digging burrows 12-15 inches deep. Female cicada killers construct chambers in these burrows to deposit their eggs alongside paralyzed cicadas.

Some common burrowing sites include edges of concrete slabs, golf course sand traps, lawns, and sandy areas around playground equipment. These areas are often characterized by excavated soil in the shape of a "U" at the burrow entrance.

After adults emerge, female cicada killers feed, mate, and begin making burrows to house their offspring.

Adult eastern cicada wasps are large, 1.5 to 5.0 cm (0.6 to 2.0 in) long, and their size gives them a uniquely fearsome appearance.

Their hairy, reddish, and black areas on their thoraces, and black to reddish brown abdominal segments marked with light yellow stripes, can make them look similar to yellowjacket and hornet species.

The females are somewhat larger than the males, and both are among the largest wasps seen in the Eastern United States.

European hornets are often mistaken for eastern cicada killers, though they are smaller, about 3.5 cm (1.4 in) long.

The males are smaller than the females because they are not given as much larval food, which benefits the females since they must carry the cicadas they have killed to a burrow for nesting.

The cicada killer wasp overwinters as a larva within a cocoon in a burrow in the soil.

Adult cicada killers emerge in June and continue to emerge throughout the summer.

The female cicada killer feeds, mates, and digs burrows for several weeks before preying on cicadas.

A vertical or slightly angled burrow 6 to 10 inches deep and about 1/2 inch in diameter is excavated by the cicada killer.

The excess soil thrown out of the burrow forms a regular, U-shaped mound at the entrance.

The female cicada killer canvasses tree trunks and lower limbs, stings its prey, turns the victim on its back, straddles it, and drags it or glides with it to the burrow.

Each cell is furnished with at least one cicada and a single egg before being sealed off.

The egg hatches two or three days later and the larva feeds four to ten days, until only the cicada's outer shell remains.

The larva spins a silken case and prepares to overwinter during the fall.

Only one generation occurs each year.

Adult female cicada killers are somewhat larger than the males, and both are among the largest wasps seen in the Eastern United States.

The females are given more larval food, which makes them larger and helps them carry cicadas to their burrows.

European hornets are often mistaken for eastern cicada killers, though they are smaller at about 3.5 cm long.

Cicada killers are solitary wasps, which means they don't live in colonies. This is likely due to their unique nesting habits, where female cicada killers dig burrows underground.

These burrows can be quite deep, reaching 12-15 inches below the surface. Female cicada killers use these burrows to construct chambers and deposit their eggs alongside paralyzed cicadas.

If you're wondering where to look for cicada killers, consider areas with loose soil or sand. Some likely burrowing sites include:

Keep an eye out for excavated soil in the shape of a "U" at the burrow entrance, which can indicate a cicada killer is hard at work.

Cicada killers are skilled hunters that feed their larvae paralyzed cicadas, which they obtain through their unique hunting behavior.

Adult cicada killers, on the other hand, have a different diet that consists mainly of flower nectar.

They also feed on fermented sap from trees and other large plants found in their habitat.

In fact, cicada killers are often mistaken for European hornets due to their similar characteristics.

Here are some key differences between cicada killers and European hornets:

The eastern cicada killer's life cycle is a fascinating process that's worth understanding.

The cicada killer overwinters as a larva within a cocoon in a burrow in the soil.

In the spring, the larva changes into the pupal stage, which is then followed by the emergence of adults in the early summer or late spring.

Adult females emerge in June and continue to emerge throughout the summer, feeding, mating, and digging burrows for several weeks before preying on cicadas.

A vertical or slightly angled burrow 6 to 10 inches deep and about 1/2 inch in diameter is excavated, with broadly oval cells perpendicular to the main tunnel.

Each cell is furnished with at least one cicada, sometimes two or three, and a single egg before being sealed off.

The egg hatches two or three days later, and the larva feeds four to ten days, until only the cicada's outer shell remains.

Only one generation occurs each year, and the females die after completing their work laying eggs and providing food for the eggs that will hatch into larvae.

The males die after mating.

Cicada killers can be deterred from nesting in your yard by making it inhospitable to them. Fertilizing your lawn and planting thick-rooted native grasses can keep them from viewing your yard as an option.

Keeping your yard moist can also deter cicada killers from nesting there in the first place, as well as drive adults away from their burrows.

You can kill cicada killers by pouring water into the mouth of each burrow after dark when the wasps are inactive, but be aware that this may harm beneficial non-target insect species.

You might be wondering if you should kill cicada killers. Generally, it's not advisable to kill them if possible. Cicada killers don't pose a threat to buildings or human health, so they're not a priority for pest control services.

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However, having large wasp nests on your property can be a concern. If you do decide to control them, there are some effective strategies to consider. Make your yard inhospitable to cicada killers by fertilizing your lawn and planting thick-rooted native grasses.

Cicada killers prefer poor soil quality, so this can help deter them. Thick roots and moist soil can also keep them away. Keeping your yard moist can drive adults away from their burrows and even kill the larvae.

To get rid of pests, your local Orkin Pro is trained to help manage various types of pests, including eastern cicada killer wasps and similar pests.

Orkin's approach is tailored to each individual situation, as every building or home is unique.

Your Orkin Pro will design a unique treatment program for your specific needs.

Orkin can provide the right solution to keep pests in their place, out of your home or business.

Having yard ownership can be beneficial, especially if you're willing to coexist with beneficial insects like cicada killers. Yes, it's good to have cicada killers in your yard, as they help control the cicada population and are important native pollinators.

Leaving them alive can even help you keep a healthier garden. Cicada killers are unlikely to harm you unless you have an allergy or try to catch them with your bare hands.

In fact, coexistence is relatively simple: just avoid stepping directly on their nests and don't try to catch, smash, or provoke them. If you mind your business, they'll mind theirs, and you can peacefully share your yard.

Here are some fast facts about the eastern cicada killer:

They are a type of wasp, specifically a cicada killer wasp, that gets its name from its habit of killing cicadas.

These wasps are relatively large, with some females reaching lengths of up to 1.5 inches.

Female eastern cicada killers are the ones that actually kill cicadas, using their stingers to paralyze the insects before dragging them back to their nests.

They are solitary wasps, meaning they don't live in colonies like some other types of wasps.

Eastern cicada killers are typically found in open areas with sandy soil, such as fields and meadows.

They are important pollinators, visiting flowers to collect nectar and help transfer pollen.

Eastern cicada killers are also known to be beneficial to the environment, helping to control cicada populations and maintain the balance of their ecosystems.

Their nests can be quite large, with some females digging tunnels up to 6 feet long.

They are most active during the summer months, with peak activity typically occurring in July and August.