Cicada Killer Removal
Professional Cicada Killer Wasp Removal
Cicada killers are some of the largest wasps commonly seen in Pennsylvania and throughout the eastern United States. Their impressive size and loud flight can make them appear intimidating, especially when multiple cicada killers are active around a property.
Cicada killers typically excavate individual burrows in the ground, often in areas with loose or sandy soil. A property with suitable nesting conditions may contain many burrows in the same general area, creating the appearance of a large wasp colony.
Hornet King provides professional cicada killer removal services throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas of Maryland and Delaware.
What Is a Cicada Killer?
The eastern cicada killer (Sphecius speciosus) is a large solitary wasp known for hunting cicadas.
Unlike yellow jackets and hornets, cicada killers do not live in large social colonies. Each female generally creates and provisions her own individual underground nest.
Female cicada killers capture cicadas and transport them back to their underground burrows. The cicada is used to provide food for the developing offspring inside the nest.
Despite their large size, cicada killers are generally not interested in people. Their intimidating appearance can make them seem much more dangerous than they typically are.
What Do Cicada Killers Look Like?
Cicada killers are large wasps with distinctive coloring.
They commonly have:
A large, robust body
Reddish or rust-colored areas on the thorax
Black and yellow markings on the abdomen
Amber or reddish wings
A noticeable size that makes them easy to recognize
The size of a cicada killer is often the first thing people notice.
Their appearance can cause them to be mistaken for other large wasps, hornets, or even dangerous stinging insects.
Where Do Cicada Killers Build Their Nests?
Cicada killers excavate underground nesting burrows.
They commonly prefer areas with soil that is easy to dig, including:
Sandy soil
Loose soil
Lawns
Garden beds
Landscaping
Sloped areas
Bare patches of ground
Areas with good sun exposure
The entrance to a cicada killer burrow may be marked by a small mound of excavated soil.
You may also notice a cicada killer repeatedly entering and exiting the same burrow.
Why Are There So Many Cicada Killers in My Yard?
A large number of cicada killers in one area does not necessarily mean that you have a single large colony.
Cicada killers are solitary wasps. Each female may excavate and maintain her own individual underground nest.
However, many females may choose the same general area if the soil and environmental conditions are favorable.
This can result in an area containing numerous burrow entrances and frequent cicada killer activity.
To a homeowner, this can look like a massive underground wasp colony even though the wasps are actually nesting individually.
Are Cicada Killers Dangerous?
Cicada killers are generally considered much less defensive toward people than social wasps such as yellow jackets and hornets.
Male cicada killers cannot sting. Females are capable of stinging, but they generally do not aggressively defend a communal nest because cicada killers do not have a single colony containing hundreds or thousands of workers.
However, caution is still appropriate.
Cicada killer activity can become a concern when large numbers of wasps are nesting in areas where people regularly walk, work, or play.
Potentially problematic locations may include:
Children’s play areas
Lawns
Walkways
Gardens
Athletic areas
Around homes
Business properties
Frequently used outdoor spaces
If cicada killers are nesting in a location where people are likely to disturb the burrows, professional removal may be appropriate.
Cicada Killer Burrow Removal
Cicada killer burrows are typically located underground and may be difficult to address without disturbing the surrounding soil.
A single area may contain many separate burrows.
Professional cicada killer removal services may include:
Evaluation of cicada killer activity
Identification of active nesting areas
Removal of cicada killers from frequently used areas
Treatment or removal of active nesting locations when appropriate
Assistance with recurring cicada killer problems
Every situation is different. The number of burrows, soil conditions, location, and level of human activity all help determine the appropriate approach.
Cicada Killers vs. Yellow Jackets and Hornets
One of the most important differences between cicada killers and many other wasps is their social behavior.
Yellow jackets and hornets are social wasps. They live in colonies and defend a communal nest.
Cicada killers are solitary wasps. Each female typically creates and provisions her own nest.
This means a yard with numerous cicada killer burrows is not necessarily home to one enormous colony.
The wasps may simply be taking advantage of favorable soil conditions in the same area.
Proper identification is important because the behavior and nesting habits of cicada killers are very different from those of yellow jackets and hornets.
How Do You Know If You Have Cicada Killers?
You may have cicada killers if you notice:
Large wasps flying low over the ground
Large wasps digging into loose soil
Small piles of soil near burrow entrances
Multiple burrows in a sunny area
Wasps carrying cicadas
Large wasps repeatedly entering holes in the ground
Cicada killers are particularly noticeable during the summer when adult wasps emerge and cicadas are active.
If you are unsure what type of wasp you are seeing, a photograph taken from a safe distance may help with identification.
Cicada Killer Removal for Homes and Businesses
Although cicada killers are generally less defensive than social wasps, their presence can still create problems when they establish numerous burrows around a home or business.
Large numbers of cicada killers may be especially concerning when nesting occurs:
Around entrances
Along walkways
In lawns
Near patios
Around playgrounds
In areas used for outdoor work
Around commercial properties
Hornet King can evaluate the situation and help determine the appropriate approach for addressing active cicada killer activity.
Have Cicada Killers Taken Over Your Yard?
If large wasps are flying around your property or excavating numerous burrows in the ground, they may be cicada killers.
Although cicada killers are solitary wasps and are generally less defensive than yellow jackets and hornets, large numbers of burrows in a frequently used area can still create a significant nuisance.
Hornet King provides professional cicada killer removal throughout Lancaster, Chester, York, Berks, Lebanon, Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, and Adams Counties, as well as surrounding areas of Maryland and Delaware.
Need cicada killers removed from your property?
Call or text Hornet King today to schedule professional cicada killer removal service.
Hornet King — Professional Wasp & Stinging Insect Removal