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If you've ever spotted cicada killers buzzing around your place, you know how startling it can be. Here’s the scoop on these wasps:
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During those hot Nashville summers, especially in July and August, cicada killers make their grand appearance.
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Don’t let their size intimidate you. They’re quite laid-back and not out to sting.
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Believe it or not, cicada killers play a helpful role in the ecosystem.
This guide will fill you in on everything you need to know about cicada killers, why they’re beneficial, and what you can do if they decide to set up camp in your yard.
What Are Cicada Killer Wasps?
Cicada killers are solitary wasps with large bodies that can grow up to two inches long. Due to their coloring and appearance, they’re often mistaken for hornets. Solitary wasps are wasps that have no colony nest to defend. Instead, female cicada killers have just the holes they dig for their young.
Cicada killers are most active in July and August here in Middle Tennessee, especially in spots where cicadas are plentiful. The good news? The males can’t sting at all, and the females are only interested in cicadas, not people. When a female lays an egg, she leaves behind a little feast, one to three cicadas, for her baby to munch on after it hatches. Throughout the season, each female can take down around 100 cicadas!
Why Cicada Killers Aren’t as Dangerous as They Look
Because our experience tells us that wasps are dangerous insects that love to sting people, it’s easy to understand why seeing a huge cicada killer wasp would be scary. Their size alone makes them seem threatening, but the truth is that these wasps are actually quite docile.
Male cicada killers can’t sting, and female cicada killers are too busy hunting cicadas and digging holes to bother with humans. Since they have no nest to defend, they don’t need to be aggressive. Your only chance of getting stung by a cicada killer is if you are intentionally provoking it or if you accidentally step on it. Otherwise, they are happy to leave you alone.
Why Cicada Killers Are Good for the Environment
Overall, cicada killers are very beneficial bugs. They help control cicada populations naturally and they act as pollinators while flying from flower to flower. Since they are only active for a short period each summer, it’s best to allow them to do their work uninterrupted.
Why They Might Still Be a Nuisance in Your Yard
If you live in an area where cicadas are singing from the maple, oak, birch, or ash trees, don’t be surprised if you spot cicada killer wasps buzzing around during the summer. These wasps might look intimidating, especially when a bunch are flying low to the ground, but they’re usually more interested in cicadas than people.
The good news? They’re not aggressive toward humans, and if you can live with them, we actually recommend it. They play an important role in the environment and the risk of getting stung is very low.
That said, certain features in your yard can make your home more appealing to these wasps. They love loose, sandy soil in sunny spots, which is perfect for digging the tunnels where they lay their eggs. If your yard fits the bill, you might start noticing little dirt mounds popping up in the grass or near sidewalks.
Tips for Minimizing Cicada Killer Activity in Your Yard
If you do start seeing signs of cicada killer activity around your yard, there are a few things you can do to minimize their activity:
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Water your lawn regularly to keep the soil moist, less sandy, and less diggable.
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Add mulch or dense groundcover to discourage digging.
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Consider mortaring gaps in retaining walls or paving.
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Reduce cicada-attracting trees like maple, oak, birch, and ash.
Safety Tips for Kids, Pets, and Outdoor Activities
Although the chances of getting stung by a cicada killer are extremely low, they are not zero. That’s why it’s important to know how to keep your kids and pets protected from these wasps. Teach your children to respect cicada killers’ space, while also teaching them about the importance of the work that cicada killers do. Kids are naturally curious and cicada killer wasps are quite fascinating to observe from a distance, so it’s a great learning opportunity in more ways than one.
Most pets will not be bothered by cicada killers. However, if you have a dog that loves to dig, you may need to be a little more careful. Keep your digging-prone pets away from areas where cicada killers are most active to err on the side of caution.
When to Ask a Professional
While All-American Pest Control doesn’t treat cicada killers directly, our pest experts are happy to evaluate your yard and offer pest solutions if you have a huge cicada killer population around your property. Professional guidance can help confirm if the wasps on your property are truly cicada killers, and our pest experts can suggest preventative measures to help you avoid having so many on your property next season.
Respecting the Buzz
Cicada killers have gotten a bad reputation over the years and they’re one of the most misunderstood insects around. The presence of these wasps is an indication of a healthy ecosystem, which is something we all benefit from!
Because they last such a short time, if you can learn to live with them on your property each season, they’ll do their part by helping keep the cicada population down. If there are too many around for your comfort level, maintaining your yard with some simple prevention methods can help lessen their numbers on your property.
Contact All-American Pest Control for an Evaluation
If you want extra guidance about the cicada killers on your property, or if you’re not sure if the wasps you see are cicada killers or another species, give All-American Pest Control a call! We’re happy to help put your mind at ease with a free home evaluation!
Comprehensive Pest Control Solutions in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Arrington, Christiana, Lascassas, LaVergne, Nolensville, Readyville, Rockvale, Smyrna, Barfield, Murfreesboro, Blansett Meadows, Deerfield, Fairfield Estates, Scottland Acres, Steeplechase Meadows, Stones River, Walterhill, Eagleville, Milton, as well as the entire Rutherford County and Greater Murfreesboro areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or ask a bug pro if it's cicada killer wasps on your property.