Knowledgebase

Cicada Killer Wasps #939360

Asked July 15, 2026, 10:45 AM EDT

How can you get rid of the circadian killer wasps? They have made themselves at home among a line of boxwoods. We have tried powder and foam, applying at night. Thank you.

Carver County Minnesota

Expert Response

Are you sure you have Cicada killer wasps? They are usually solitary wasps and burrow into the ground. They rarely sting humans and only the female has a stinger. The male have pseudo stingers. They look fearsom but can actually sting. 

The cicada killer wasp can be a beneficial insect. They are active in July and August. 

We do not like to recommend pesticides but if they are in an area that you cannot avoid, extermination can be done with 5% carbaryl (Sevin). Be sure to read follow all label instructions, use it when humans and animals are not present and war protective clothing. The article below from Purdue addresses this.

https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/garden/flies/large/cicadakiller.html

https://fmr.org/talk-about-buzzkill

https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-254/E-254.html

Deb Reierson Replied July 16, 2026, 7:50 PM EDT

Loading ...