The U.S. is home to four different types of cicada killers. They’re a species of wasp and feast on nectar, so they look for blossoming areas to create their nests. They live underground and can infest your yard, sandbox, or garden.
Unfortunately, skunks are known to dig up any areas that house cicada killers, feasting on wasp larvae and any local cicadas. The best way to get rid of cicada killers is by preventing them in the first place with the help of recurring pest removal services in Sparta, NJ.
There are steps you can take to get rid of cicada killer wasps on your own, but know when to
call in the pros.
What Are Cicada Killers?
Cicada killers are solitary wasps that look for specific areas to build their underground nests. They look for any kind of light-textured soil and aim for areas close to
trees with cicadas. You may find that they dig beneath a sidewalk or the edges of your patio. They may also tunnel beneath flower beds, laws, or in your garden, bringing soil to the surface.
If you see a cicada killer, you’ll see it has a black body covered with light-yellow strips. Its antennae is curved and its wings are light brown or amber in color. They’re about one and a half to two inches long and females are bigger than males. Holes in your soil with piles of sand nearby are a sign you have cicada killers in your yard.
Do Cicada Killers Sting Humans?
Only female cicada killers can sting humans. Males don’t have stingers. Fortunately, these wasps rarely sting people, despite having large, painful stingers. They lack the instincts to protect their nests.
Are Cicada Killers Harmful?
Cicada killers are generally safe since they’re not territorial. You always need to wear shoes in the yard because a female will sting if you step on them.
They make excellent pollinators and eat other pest insects, offering a bit of pest control. They won’t harm your garden.
If you want to keep cicada killers away, try the following.
Water Your Lawn
Wasps tend to avoid wet soil, so if you keep a well-watered lawn, you may repel them or cause them to abandon the site of a new nest. Fill in sparse areas with grass seed,
encouraging grass to grow.
But what attracts cicada killers to your yard? Cicada killers look for dirt patches to dig tunnels, so an abundance of grass can prevent them.
Keep a Longer Lawn
All you have to do is adjust the setting on your lawn mower. Cicada killers don’t like tall grass, so this may deter them.
Keep in mind
that ticks typically hang out in tall grass, so you may conquer one insect issue only to find yourself dealing with another more dangerous one. If you opt for longer grass, July and August are the best months to do so.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to deter cicada killers besides maintaining your lawn and avoiding dirt patches in your yard. If they’re a problem, your best course of action is to hire a professional pest removal company.
Call Serene Property Services
If you find that cicada killers are infiltrating your yard, you may need professional pest removal services. Although they’re generally harmless, any infestation should be evaluated by a professional.
Serene Property Services can help. We offer pest control in all of Sussex County, NJ, along with Warwick, NY.
Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.
