Photo Album: Cicada Killers Burrow Deep in Eatontown, NJ
What are Cicada Killers
Cicada Killers are a non-social wasp. They nest alone and although their sting can be quite painful, they aren't aggressive. In fact, you can walk through a field of them and not get stung once!
Primary Nesting Areas
Cicada killers choose to nest in well-drained, light-textured soils in full sunlight that are near trees harboring cicadas.
They Like Flower Beds Too
Cicada killers may dig in the loose soil in flower beds. A burrow at the base of a plant may disrupt its root system.
How They Hunt
Once the female finishes her burrow, which can be 8-16" long, they lay eggs in the chamber. Then they go out and hunt for food, which usually is a cicada. Then they return to the burrow, attaching the cicada to the egg. Once the egg hatches, it eats it's way into the paralyzed cicada, feeding as they grow.
Best Treatment is...
The most effective treatment is to treat each burrow with a residual dust. This product immediately knocks down the cicada killer and prevents any future pest infestations.