Cicada Killers
Cicada killers are large wasps that get their name from the unique way that the females feed their young. Cicada killers capture and paralyze cicadas and place them in a burrow in the ground to provide food for their larvae. The burrows that these pests dig can cause problems in your yard and cicada killers will sting if they are disturbed. To protect your New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Delaware home or business from cicada killers, you need to learn about the behavior of this pest, take steps for prevention, and find effective treatment options should an infestation occur.
What are Cicada Killers?
Pest control experts at Viking Pest explain cicada killers are large, solitary wasps that are named for their behavior of killing cicadas. Female cicada killers capture and sting a cicada. The sting releases a venom that paralyzes the cicada but does not kill it right away. The cicada killer then takes the cicada back to a burrow that she dug in the ground. Once the burrow is stocked with cicadas, the cicada killer lays an egg and then seals the chamber. When the cicada killer larvae hatch, they feed on the paralyzed cicada for up to two weeks. The Smithsonian provides an in-depth explanation of the unique behavior of cicada killers.
How Do I Identify Cicada Killers?
Viking Pest’s certified entomologist, Craig, explains cicada killers are large wasps that are typically around two inches in length. These pests are black or dark brown with yellow markings on their abdomen. Cicada killers build burrows in the ground and may come out when disturbed by activity above the ground such as mowing.
How Do I Get Cicada Killers?
Living in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, or Delaware and having a lawn outside your home or business puts you at risk for developing an issue with cicada killers. Another factor that impacts your susceptibility to having cicada killers is the presence of cicadas near your home or business. Getting professional help with cicada treatment and cicada control are factors that can help minimize your risk of having cicada killers.
What are the Effects of Cicada Killers In and Around My Home or Business?
Having a cicada killer infestation at your home or business can make it difficult to care for or use your lawn. Mowing or having people walk on the lawn may disturb the cicada killers and prompt them to try and protect their nests. A large infestation can also cause damage to the lawn and leave it looking damaged and unhealthy.
How Long Do Cicada Killers Live?
Cicada killers live between one to two months. Adult cicada killers emerge in the summer months. Females spend their time burrowing, killing cicadas, and laying eggs, explain exterminators at Viking Pest.
How Do I Prevent Cicada Killers?
Cicada killer prevention requires the help of a pest control expert, like Viking Pest. There are treatment options that can help keep both cicadas and cicada killers out of the lawn of your home or business.
Does Viking Pest Have a Treatment for Cicadas?
Currently, no pest control product is available to treat the abundance of Cicadas. To view our Cicada FAQ, and for tips to remove Cicadas from your property, please click here.