Knowledgebase
Cicada killer hole? Infestation #871029
Asked June 01, 2024, 7:04 AM EDT
Hi, last year I had a pristine yard! Absolutely gorgeous green grass, level etc. my lawn mower broke down and I skipped mowing for three weeks. I mowed yesterday and was scared to death at the sight of my yard! Some type of digging pest, after searching online and the emergence of double cicadas this year. I believe I have over a dozen cicada killer nests in my backyard. I rent my home and the landlord said it’s my responsibility to take care of anything like this! But this is out of control. I have a 5 year old son who is HIGHLY allergic to bees and I carry multiple epi-pens on me. Purse, car etc…. Are these in fact cicada killer burrows or is there another stinging insect that burrows under the ground like this???
Vanderburgh County Indiana
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. The cicada killer is a solitary wasp that burrows in the ground. The entrance to their burrow looks similar to the image you provided.
Despite their large size, these wasps are not considered aggressive. Male wasps are territorial and may hover around a burrow's entrance to intimidate trespassers. However, they can not sting. Only females can sting yet are unlikely to do so.
Other ground-dwelling insects also produce burrows such as bumblebees and yellow jackets, but the entrance to their burrows does not have the characteristic mound of dirt as the cicada killer.
I hope this helps!
