What Are Cicada Killers?

Cicada killers are a large species of wasp. They are solitary with the females creating individual nests in the ground. The name “cicada killer” makes them sound much more aggressive than they are. They received their name because females sting and paralyze cicada bugs (and other insects) to feed their larvae.

Physical features of a cicada killer wasp include:

• A red and black body with yellow banding around the abdomen.
• A reddish-brown head.
• Transparent or yellow-tinted heavily veined wings.
• A body that grows between 1 1/2 and 2 inches in length.

Cicada Killer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are cicada killers dangerous?

Cicada killers are less aggressive than many other species of stinging insects and therefore stings from cicada killers are less common. In fact, males lack stingers, and females typically only sting people when they are being directly threatened.
 
Avoiding contact with cicada killers and other stinging insects is very important as their venom is strong enough to trigger serious health problems in those who are allergic. Also, being stung is a painful and unpleasant experience for anyone!

Why do I have a cicada killer problem?

If your Dallas yard provides cicada killers with well-drained, loose soil that they can tunnel through and create nesting sites in, these stinging insects will take advantage.
 
Cicada killers are a common problem in our yards. Our home’s outdoor spaces not only provide them with suitable areas to nest but also plenty of insects for them to hunt and bring back to their developing young. Trash cans, gardens, and standing water all attract cicada killers as well as other insects.

Where will I find cicada killers? 

A type of digger wasp, cicada killers feed, breed, and nest outdoors. They choose to nest in a variety of places, preferring areas in direct sunlight near trees. Other common nesting sites include:

• The soil next to sidewalks, patios, or play structures
• Flower beds
• Gardens
• Lawns

How do I get rid of cicada killers?

Despite not being overly aggressive cicada killers are stinging insects and are potentially dangerous to have in our yards. If you are experiencing problems with cicada killers the best way to get rid of them is to contact the professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite.

We take pride in offering our customers fast response times and peace of mind. Our professionals provide the services needed to safely remove cicada killers from your Dallas yard giving you and your family the ability to fully enjoy your outdoor space once again!

To learn more about our stinging insect control services, reach out to us today! 

How can I prevent cicada killers in the future?

Prevent problems with cicada killers by partnering with All-Safe Pest & Termite and by implementing the following prevention tips:

• Take care of your lawn and keep it well-fertilized, cicada killers are less likely to tunnel through dense areas of grass and soil.
• Seed bare areas in your lawn to make it less attractive to cicada killer wasps.
• Wear shoes when walking through grassy areas to avoid stepping on a cicada killer wasp or nest and being stung.