Description of Cicada Wasps:
During the late summer months, Facilities typically experience reports of very large wasps/hornets that can be approximately ½” - 2”. Photos are included below. Facilities would like to provide information about these beneficial insects known as cicada wasps. We typically do all we can to protect beneficial insects but recognize not all can be informed of their benefits, nor find them ok to be around. Consequently, we can have our pest control contractor treat these nests to allay fears.

Affected Times:
Adult cicada wasps emerge and are seen in late summer and live for about 6 weeks. Most cicada wasps keep to themselves during the day and are content to hunt cicadas. They are in their burrows at night.

Impact: Are cicada killers dangerous?
Females have significant stingers with which they inject a paralyzing venom into cicadas. Without doubt, their stings are painful. Stings are reported to be less painful than that of a honeybee. However, cicada wasps are not aggressive, do not have the nest-guarding instinct of honeybees and hornets, and typically only sting if they are picked up or defending themselves. You can walk through areas where they are active without attracting attention. Males lack stingers but are territorial. Males will approach anything that enters “their area”, including walkers, people mowing or using weed-eaters, or riding tractors. They may hover and challenge trespassers but are harmless.

Action(s) Required:
Do not provoke the insects.

If you have questions concerning cicada wasps, or find them in your area, feel free to report them to the Facilities offices at 812-488-2775.