Upon first view cicada killers, can look pretty intimidating. The adult females can get up to 2” in length which is one of the largest wasp species around. If you just searched for this because you are wanting to know more about these unique wasps you found the right place.
So, are cicada killers dangerous? No, cicada killers do just that, kill cicadas (locusts). They will sting them in the sternum and inject their venom into the cicada paralyzing them to feed the cicada still living to their larvae. Since cicada killers are not aggressive and unlike other stinging insects, they don’t have the normal instinct to guard their nest areas this is why they are not deemed dangerous to humans.
Read on to find out more about the dangers and other facts about cicada killers.
Cicada killers are a predator of the cicadas. Cicadas make that chirping sound that is almost like the sound of crickets but a lot louder, generally heard in the spring and summertime, the sound is so bad that it will actually keep birds away because their sound is harmful to their ears.
If you haven’t heard a cicada make noise before then you might not understand how annoyed cicada killers must get when they have to hear it. I’m not justifying their actions in taking a cicadas life, but I don’t condemn it either.
Do Cicada Killers Attack Humans?
Cicada killers look intimidating and large, however, they almost never attack humans. For one the males (drones) don’t have the ability to attack because they don’t have a stinger and they don’t bite. Female cicada killers do have stingers but it is primarily used in the attack of cicadas.
The exception would be if you grabbed a female or stepped on one with no shoes on, but even then they would be doing it out of self-defense.
Even though male cicada killers don’t have stingers they could still bite you, but as I said above they are generally docile when it comes to humans. Female cicada killers have a larger jaw and could bite or sting but they are on a mission for cicadas to feed their young.
Can Cicada Killers Hurt You?
Yes, cicada killers have a large stinger that is used to paralyze its victims (cicadas) so they can drag them into their nest
Since we know that it is not in their nature to hurt you intentionally I will say it is not probable that one would, but it is possible.
What Happens If You Get Stung By A Cicada Killer?
In the unlikely event that you are stung by a cicada killer remember that they do have venom in their stinger. A cicada killer sting will be painful and may cause redness, pain and burning, itchiness, swelling, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
If you are allergic to bees, wasps, and hornets it will be in your best interest to call a physician if you get stung. If you live in a state where wasps, bees, and hornets are very prevalent you may want to carry an epi-pen.
Are Cicada Killers Beneficial?
Cicada killers are beneficial when it comes to pollinating trees, bushes and flowers that blossom and reducing the population of cicadas.
Cicada killers are considered a pest because of the damage they cause to lawns, golf courses, businesses, and gardens.
What Do Cicada Killers Do To Cicadas?
Cicada killers sting, paralyze, and drag cicadas into their burrow and within a tunnel, in that tunnel, she will lay 1-3 eggs on the cicada. The cicada killer keeps the cicada alive long enough for her eggs to hatch and devour the cicada. So, really the adult cicada killer doesn’t kill the cicada, they make it available for their young to get nourishment. Once the grub cicada killer(s) have devoured the entire cicada they will then seal the tunnel in a cocoon so they may finish their life cycle, they will overwinter then in the summer will emerge as adults.
Where Do Cicadas Killers Live?
So the Pacific cicada killer can be found in the eastern part of the United States, from the Carolinas down to the southern tip of Florida, the Carribean and into parts of Mexico.
So, where do cicada killers live? Cicada killers live in a burrow in the ground. Cicada killers will usually pick a place where the ground is dry but not too hard to dig. Cicada killers like sand, clay, and dry dirt areas. If you hear cicadas making that choppy buzzing sound on a tree you can be sure that there will be cicada killer holes in the ground near one of their food sources (cicadas).
How Deep Do Cicada Killers Burrow?
Cicada killers will usually burrow 10” in a U shape with multiple 6” tunnels where they drag cicadas to be fed on by the eggs they lay on them. Cicada killers may make multiple burrows as well.
How Can I Naturally Get Rid Of Cicada Killers?
One thing to try is watering your lawn regularly, cicada killers like making their nest in dry ground. If you make the soil moist it will discourage cicada killers from nesting on your lawn.
You could take a funnel and pour ammonia down in each cicada killer burrow hole and that would take care of this year’s cicada killers, however, it will not kill the eggs that are cocooned deep within the tunnels because the ammonia effect would wear off before it could hurt them.
The Best Way Is To Use A Chemical
I will mention below exactly how you can kill cicada killers effectively to keep them fro returning next year.
How Can I Kill Cicada Killers Effectively?
The very best way in my experience to get rid of cicada killers is by treating each hole with dust that has a fast knockdown to get rid of the current population but will also take care of the next generation as they try to emerge.
The chemical I recommend is TEMPO 1% DUST (check out the info and current price on my recommended products page here) Tempo has an active ingredient called cyfluthrin. If you make sure to treat every hole in your yard with this dust, it will give you the result you are looking for.
In order to apply the Tempo dust, you will want to get a bellows or bulb duster and fill it to the fill line with dust. Make sure you wear gloves, paper mask, and safety glasses. When using this dust be sure to wear the mask because you do not want to breathe this stuff in.
Please read the label before you use this treatment so that you are better informed on how to use it.
*It is against federal law to apply or use or store a pesticide in any manner that is not consistent with its labeling.
Take the bellows dust and insert the tip just past the entrance of the burrow hole so you make sure that all the dust gets into the hole. Use your hand to compress the bellow and get 2-3 good puffs in each hole. If you do this to all the existing holes, you will have the desired result.
Just so you know I have performed this treatment several times and have never been stung or even chased by a cicada killer. Itis relatively safe to perform this treatment during the day, but if you are still wanting to air on the side of caution you may decide to grab a trusty flashlight and do the service at night time.
It is best not to perform this treatment when it is raining or the rain may clog your duster and will make it hard to do.
Summary
So, in short, cicada killers are not dangerous, you can wait for them to leave your property after the summer is over treat them by watering your lawn or with ammonia. I have had great success getting rid of them using the dust and I know it can work for you too. The last option you could do would be to hire a professional to come out and treat, and I also advocate for the great men and women within this industry that do it and learn their craft well. There are several ways to do pest control to reduce, eliminate, and maintain a good balance in your lawn and home.
That’s all from me so as always thanks for buggin out with me.
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