Cicada Killer Wasps (6525)

Cicada killers resemble large yellow jackets. They are mostly black with pale yellow markings on the abdomen, and are about 1½ inches long. They are solitary wasps and live in the ground. Despite their appearance, these insects are not offensive and usually will not bother people, even when provoked. Their sting is meant for paralyzing their prey, and normally does not cause a reaction in humans. They are considered beneficial because they reduce cicada populations. However, they may cause lawn damage if there are large numbers of them nesting in close proximity to each other. Use an appropriately labeled insecticide for lawn insect control and follow all label directions.

For more information, please visit this MAAREC publication. (Mid-Atlantic Apicultural Research Extension Consortium)

Penn State Entomology Dept.

University of Kentucky, Entomology Dept.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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