Are Cicada Killers Dangerous?
Are Cicada Killers Dangerous?
Generally, cicada killers are safe, but there are differences between males and females.
The females can sting, but they are usually not aggressive or territorial, like most other wasps.
However, if you step on one with bare feet or otherwise disturb them, you will likely get a painful sting.
Males are more aggressive and will dive-bomb, trying to scare you away from their nest. But they are harmless because they cannot sting. It’s all an act!
They are, however, dangerous to cicadas, which is a good thing.
Are Cicada Killers Dangerous to Dogs?
Cicada killers and dogs usually get along.
But if a dog catches a female cicada killer and gets stung, it can be painful and potentially dangerous, due to the venom.
When the sting happens in the dog’s mouth, it is considerably more dangerous.
Are Cicada Killers Bad?
Cicada Killers are both bad and beneficial.
The Good Traits
- Cicada killers are good pollinators.
- They are also a “predator insect.” These insects eat pest insects (like spiders and praying mantises) and provide some natural pest control.
- They do not damage plants.
- They are native to Pennsylvania, not an invasive species.
The Bad Traits
- The female cicada killers sting if you step on one in bare feet or if one gets tangled in your clothing.
- They also burrow in the lawn, and the soil excavation can be pretty bad, especially with large infestations (which are commonly thought to be from rodents).
- They can be a huge nuisance. Try having fun at a picnic when dozens of cicada killers are buzzing around your yard.
- Skunks are attracted to cicada killer nests, digging them up to eat the cicadas.
If you have questions about how dangerous cicada killers are, feel free to text or call us at 610-944-0408. Green Giant can help with cicada killers as well as with bee and wasp removal.
Where Do Cicada Killers Live?
If you see cicada killers flying around but can’t find their tunnels, look in areas with soft soil, mulch beds, or a lawn with weak, thin grass.
A thick lawn will discourage the cicada killers from tunneling in the grass.
The tunnels usually have a U-shaped collar of loose soil around the opening. They are most often in full sun areas that won’t get flooded by rain. Often, we see the tunnels on hills.
What Do Cicada Killers Do with Cicadas?
- The female stings and paralyzes the cicada.
- The Cicada Killer picks up the paralyzed cicada and flies it to a tunnel.
- The females inject their eggs into the live cicada.
- The cicada then becomes the food source for the young cicada killers.
- When the eggs hatch, the larvae will feast on the cicadas!
If you see cicada killers around your home, don’t risk a human or a dog getting stung. Have one of our expert technicians help you get rid of them.
We take all pest problems seriously and are committed to helping you ASAP.
