Cicada Killer Wasps Starting it's Burrow in Metuchen, NJ

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We were recently sent out to a home in Metuchen, NJ, after the owner called us complaining of "bees in the ground" throughout her property. When we arrived and inspected the yard, we quickly identified these pests as cicada killer wasps. Cicada killer wasps are approximately 2 inches in size, and get their name from killing cicadas in order to reproduce their larvae. They’re solitary insects, meaning they nest alone, and choose to nest in well-drained, light-textured soils in full sunlight that are near trees harboring cicadas.

During the burrowing process, female cicada killers can displace several pounds of dirt making a big mess and damaging the roots of plants. Additionally, they can dig in areas near walkways which can make some structures unstable. The male cicada killer doesn't have a stinger, but the female does and their sting can be extremely painful. They may look deadly and dangerous, but in reality, they aren't aggressive and rarely sting unless they are grasped roughly, stepped upon with bare feet, or caught in clothing. There were dozens and dozens of cicada killer burrows throughout the yard.