How to Get Rid of Cicada Killers (Ground Digger Wasps) from Your Lawn
Cicada killers, also known as ground digger wasps, are large, intimidating insects that can cause concern for homeowners. While they look scary, they are generally solitary and not aggressive towards humans. However, their presence can still be disruptive, especially when they create unsightly burrows in your lawn. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed steps and instructions on how to effectively manage and get rid of cicada killers from your property.
## Understanding Cicada Killers
Before we dive into the control methods, it’s crucial to understand the behavior and life cycle of these wasps. This knowledge will help you implement the most effective strategies.
* **Appearance:** Cicada killers are among the largest wasps, ranging from 1 to 2 inches in length. They have a black body with yellow markings on their abdomen, giving them a somewhat similar appearance to hornets or yellow jackets.
* **Life Cycle:** These wasps are most active during the summer months (July and August) when cicadas are abundant. The female wasp digs a burrow in the ground, usually in well-drained, sandy soil. She then hunts and paralyzes cicadas, bringing them back to the burrow to serve as food for her larvae. Each burrow can contain multiple cells, each with a cicada and a single wasp larva.
* **Behavior:** Male cicada killers are territorial and may fly around aggressively, but they lack a stinger. Female wasps can sting, but they are generally docile and only sting if directly threatened. The primary concern is the aesthetic damage caused by their burrowing activity, which can create unsightly holes and mounds in lawns.
* **Habitat:** Cicada killers prefer areas with bare soil or thin grass. They are commonly found in lawns, gardens, and along sidewalks or driveways. Areas with good drainage are particularly attractive to them.
## Why Get Rid of Cicada Killers?
While cicada killers are not typically dangerous, there are several reasons why you might want to control their population:
* **Aesthetic Damage:** The burrows they create can be unsightly and disrupt the uniformity of your lawn.
* **Soil Disruption:** Extensive burrowing can lead to uneven soil surfaces and potential tripping hazards.
* **Psychological Discomfort:** Their large size and buzzing can be alarming, especially for children and those who are afraid of wasps.
* **Preventative Measures:** Controlling their population early can prevent a larger infestation in subsequent years.
## Identifying Cicada Killer Burrows
The first step in managing cicada killers is identifying their burrows. Look for the following signs:
* **Entrance Holes:** These are typically dime to quarter-sized holes in the ground, often surrounded by a mound of excavated soil.
* **Location:** Burrows are commonly found in sunny areas with bare or sparsely vegetated soil.
* **Wasp Activity:** You may observe large wasps flying in and out of the holes, especially during the day.
## Effective Methods for Getting Rid of Cicada Killers
Here are several methods you can use to get rid of cicada killers from your lawn, ranging from natural approaches to chemical treatments. Always prioritize safety and follow product instructions carefully.
### 1. Natural and Preventative Measures
These methods focus on making your lawn less attractive to cicada killers and preventing them from establishing burrows.
* **Maintain a Healthy Lawn:** A dense, healthy lawn is less appealing to cicada killers. Proper watering, fertilization, and mowing can help create a thick turf that discourages burrowing.
* **Watering:** Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid frequent, shallow watering, which can create moist conditions that attract pests.
* **Fertilizing:** Use a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for healthy grass growth. Conduct a soil test to determine the specific nutrient needs of your lawn.
* **Mowing:** Mow at the recommended height for your grass type. Avoid scalping the lawn, as this can create bare patches that are more susceptible to infestation.
* **Improve Soil Drainage:** Cicada killers prefer well-drained soil. Improving drainage can make your lawn less attractive to them.
* **Aeration:** Aerate your lawn regularly to improve soil structure and drainage. Core aeration involves removing small plugs of soil, while spike aeration involves puncturing the soil with spikes.
* **Amend the Soil:** If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to improve drainage.
* **Encourage Natural Predators:** Some birds and other insects prey on cicada killers. Creating a diverse habitat can encourage these natural predators to visit your lawn.
* **Bird Feeders:** Install bird feeders to attract birds that may feed on cicada killers.
* **Insectary Plants:** Plant flowers and herbs that attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which may prey on cicada killer larvae.
* **Physical Barriers:** Cover bare patches of soil with mulch or other materials to prevent cicada killers from digging burrows. This is particularly effective in areas where you have had previous infestations.
* **Mulch:** Apply a layer of mulch to bare soil to deter burrowing.
* **Landscape Fabric:** Cover bare soil with landscape fabric before mulching to provide an extra barrier.
### 2. Direct Treatment of Burrows
This method involves directly targeting the cicada killer burrows with various treatments.
* **Pouring Boiling Water:** This is a simple and effective method for killing the larvae inside the burrows. Carefully pour boiling water into each burrow entrance.
* **Safety Precautions:** Use caution when handling boiling water to avoid burns. Wear protective clothing and use a funnel to direct the water into the burrow.
* **Effectiveness:** Boiling water is most effective when applied directly to the burrow and can kill larvae and pupae.
* **Vinegar Solution:** A mixture of vinegar and water can also be used to treat burrows. The acidity of the vinegar can kill the larvae.
* **Preparation:** Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or watering can.
* **Application:** Pour or spray the solution directly into the burrow entrance.
* **Diatomaceous Earth (DE):** This is a natural, non-toxic powder made from fossilized diatoms. It works by dehydrating insects.
* **Application:** Sprinkle a generous amount of diatomaceous earth around the burrow entrance and inside the burrow, if possible. Reapply after rain.
* **Safety:** Use food-grade diatomaceous earth to avoid any potential health risks. Wear a dust mask when applying to avoid inhaling the powder.
* **Soap and Water Solution:** A mixture of dish soap and water can be an effective insecticide. The soap disrupts the insect’s exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death.
* **Preparation:** Mix 2-3 tablespoons of dish soap with 1 gallon of water.
* **Application:** Pour the solution into the burrow entrance. You may need to repeat the application several times.
### 3. Chemical Treatments
If natural methods are not effective, you may need to resort to chemical treatments. Use these options as a last resort and always follow the product instructions carefully.
* **Insecticides:** Several insecticides are labeled for use against cicada killers. Look for products containing active ingredients such as carbaryl, permethrin, or bifenthrin.
* **Granular Insecticides:** These are applied to the lawn and watered in. They can provide broad-spectrum control of various soil-dwelling insects, including cicada killer larvae.
* **Liquid Insecticides:** These are sprayed directly onto the burrows and surrounding areas. They provide a more targeted approach to control.
* **Dust Insecticides:** These are dusted directly into the burrows. They can be particularly effective in dry conditions.
* **Application:** Apply the insecticide according to the product label instructions. Be sure to wear protective clothing, including gloves, a mask, and eye protection.
* **Timing:** Apply insecticides in the late afternoon or early evening when cicada killer activity is at its peak.
* **Insecticide Dust:** Apply insecticide dust directly into the burrow entrances. This is particularly effective for killing larvae and adult wasps inside the burrows.
* **Application:** Use a duster or applicator to apply the dust directly into the burrow entrance. Wear gloves and a mask to avoid contact with the insecticide.
* **Caution:** Avoid using insecticide dust in windy conditions to prevent drift.
### 4. Professional Pest Control
If you are unable to control cicada killers on your own, consider hiring a professional pest control company. They have the expertise and equipment to effectively manage infestations.
* **Benefits of Professional Treatment:**
* **Expertise:** Pest control professionals have the knowledge and experience to accurately identify and treat cicada killer infestations.
* **Targeted Treatment:** They can use targeted treatments to minimize the impact on beneficial insects and the environment.
* **Long-Term Solutions:** They can provide recommendations for preventing future infestations.
* **Choosing a Pest Control Company:**
* **Licensing and Insurance:** Ensure the company is licensed and insured.
* **Experience:** Choose a company with experience in treating cicada killers.
* **Reputation:** Check online reviews and ask for references.
* **Treatment Plan:** Ask for a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate.
## Preventing Future Infestations
Once you have successfully eliminated cicada killers from your lawn, take steps to prevent future infestations.
* **Maintain a Healthy Lawn:** A dense, healthy lawn is the best defense against cicada killers. Follow the tips mentioned earlier for proper watering, fertilization, and mowing.
* **Fill in Bare Spots:** Fill in bare spots with grass seed or sod to eliminate potential burrowing sites.
* **Improve Soil Drainage:** Continue to improve soil drainage by aerating and amending the soil as needed.
* **Monitor Regularly:** Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of cicada killer activity. Early detection can prevent a larger infestation.
* **Remove Cicada Habitats:** If possible, reduce the number of cicada habitats near your property. This can involve removing dead trees or branches where cicadas breed.
## Safety Precautions
When dealing with cicada killers and using any control methods, it’s essential to take safety precautions:
* **Wear Protective Clothing:** When applying insecticides or other treatments, wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection to avoid contact with chemicals.
* **Read and Follow Instructions:** Always read and follow the instructions on product labels carefully.
* **Keep Children and Pets Away:** Keep children and pets away from treated areas until the product has dried or settled.
* **Store Products Safely:** Store insecticides and other chemicals in a secure location out of reach of children and pets.
* **Avoid Overuse:** Use insecticides sparingly and only when necessary to minimize the impact on the environment.
* **Be Aware of Allergies:** If you are allergic to wasps or other insects, take extra precautions when working in areas where they may be present.
## Addressing Common Concerns
* **Are Cicada Killers Dangerous?** Cicada killers are generally not aggressive towards humans and rarely sting unless provoked. However, their large size can be intimidating.
* **Do Cicada Killers Kill Cicadas in My Yard?** Yes, female cicada killers hunt cicadas to provide food for their larvae. While this may reduce the cicada population to some extent, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall ecosystem.
* **Will Cicada Killers Damage My Lawn?** The burrows created by cicada killers can be unsightly and disrupt the uniformity of your lawn, but they typically do not cause significant damage to the grass itself.
* **When is the Best Time to Treat Cicada Killers?** The best time to treat cicada killers is during the summer months (July and August) when they are most active. Treat burrows in the late afternoon or early evening when the wasps are inside.
## Conclusion
Dealing with cicada killers can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can effectively manage their population and protect your lawn. By understanding their behavior, implementing preventative measures, and using appropriate control methods, you can create a pest-free environment and enjoy your outdoor space without worry. Remember to prioritize safety and follow product instructions carefully. If you are unsure about how to proceed, consult with a professional pest control company for assistance.