How to Get Rid of Cicada Killers
One of the largest wasps in North America, with a black-and-yellow abdomen and amber wings. Females dig burrows in sandy lawns and stock them with paralyzed cicadas. If you are seeing them in lawns and grass and in yards and on patios, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Thicken lawn turf so there is less bare soil for burrows
- Water sandy areas, since females prefer dry soil
- Tolerate them if you can, as they disappear by late summer
Despite their size, cicada killers are docile; males can't sting and females rarely do.
Confirm you have cicada killers
Before you treat anything, make sure you are really dealing with cicada killers. Adults measure 30–50 mm (up to about 2.0 in) and are usually black, yellow and red. Look for these features:
- Very large wasp up to two inches long
- Rusty-red thorax and amber-tinted wings
- Burrows with U-shaped soil mounds in bare, sandy spots
They are most often confused with European hornet, yellowjacket and periodical cicada. See the full cicada killer profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have cicada killers
Cicada Killers nest in sheltered spots close to food, water and building materials. Late-summer colonies are at their largest and most defensive. Sweet drinks, open trash and pet food attract foraging workers. They are most active in summer, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see cicada killers
Cicada Killers are most active in summer. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: lawn or grass and yard or patio.
Step-by-step: getting rid of cicada killers
Step 1: Thicken lawn turf so there is less bare soil for burrows
Thicken lawn turf so there is less bare soil for burrows. Combine this with the other steps rather than relying on it alone.
Step 2: Water sandy areas
Water sandy areas, since females prefer dry soil. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 3: Tolerate them if you can
Tolerate them if you can, as they disappear by late summer. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Keep food and drinks covered outdoors.
- Use lidded trash cans and rinse recycling.
- Hang traps away from where people gather.
- Avoid swatting, which can provoke more stings.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Never try to remove a large or hidden nest yourself, especially if you are allergic to stings. A pest professional has protective gear and can treat nests in walls or underground safely.
How to keep cicada killers from coming back
- Inspect eaves, sheds and play sets in spring for small starter nests.
- Seal openings in siding and soffits.
- Fill in holes in lawns and garden beds.
- Wear shoes outdoors, especially on grass.
Safety notes
Despite their size, cicada killers are docile; males can't sting and females rarely do.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About bees & wasps
The cicada killer is one of the bees & wasps. Bees and wasps belong to the same order as ants. Social species such as honey bees, bumble bees, yellowjackets and hornets live in colonies with a queen, while solitary species such as mud daubers and cicada killers raise their young alone. Only females can sting, because the stinger is a modified egg-laying tube.
Social wasp colonies grow all summer and are largest and most defensive in late summer and early fall. Most colonies die off in winter, leaving only new queens to start over in spring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of cicada killers?
Thicken lawn turf so there is less bare soil for burrows. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are cicada killers dangerous?
Despite their size, cicada killers are docile; males can't sting and females rarely do.
When are cicada killers most active?
Cicada Killers are most active in summer.
What do cicada killers look like?
Very large wasp up to two inches long. Adults measure 30–50 mm (up to about 2.0 in).