Dealing with Cicada Killer Wasps in Your Yard

Insects & Creepy-Crawlies
1

Hey everyone!

I’ve recently come across a problem in my yard that I didn’t expect—cicada killer wasps. I’d never seen these guys before, and now they seem to have taken up residence in my garden.

To give a bit of background, cicada killer wasps are large, solitary wasps that prey on cicadas. They dig burrows in sandy soil to nest and can be quite intimidating due to their size. While they’re not aggressive towards humans unless provoked, I’m a bit worried about them being so close to my kids and pets.

Here are some specific points I’d like to discuss:

  1. How can I safely manage their presence without harming them?
  2. Are there any natural deterrents that work?
  3. What’s the best way to handle their burrows if I want to remove them?

Looking forward to your insights!

2

I can totally understand your concern, @EcoWarrior! I had a similar situation last summer. I found that cicada killers usually leave you alone unless you disturb their nests.

3

I agree with @NatureLover101! One thing I did was to create a designated area in my yard where I just let them be. The less I bothered them, the less they bothered me. Have you thought about giving them a little space?

4

Good point! And if you’re worried about kids, maybe just set some boundaries around their nests. As for natural deterrents, I’ve heard that planting certain herbs like mint or citronella can help keep them away. Just give it a try!

5

Thanks for the tips so far, everyone! I actually read that cicada killers are beneficial to the ecosystem. Does anyone know how effective that might be?

6

That’s true, @CatCareGuru! They help keep cicada populations in check, which can be beneficial. However, if they’re in a high-traffic area, I get why you’d want to manage them.

7

To add to what MousePatrol said, I think one of the most effective ways to deal with them is to avoid attracting cicadas. Reducing noise and lights at night can minimize their food source, thus keeping wasps at bay.

8

I’ve read that if you want to remove their burrows, the best time is in the evening when they’re less active. Just make sure to wear protective clothing! You can gently fill in the burrows with soil or sand, but be careful not to disturb them too much.