Often, people are terrified when confronting a certain type of wasp, known as the eastern cicada killer wasp, mainly because of their unusually large size and appearance. The eastern cicada killer is the largest wasp found in Iowa, measuring up to 1.5 inches long. They have a black abdomen with yellow markings on the thorax and abdomen, and their wings are orange-colored, translucent, and often described as amber wings—these are key identification features. These striking features, along with their size, can cause them to be mistaken for other large insects or more aggressive wasp species like murder hornets, but cicada killer wasps are generally beneficial and not dangerous to humans.

When you hear their name, it can be even more intimidating, but take heart. Cicada killer wasps are solitary wasps that live independently and do not form social colonies like honey bees or yellowjackets—there are no other members helping with nest maintenance or raising young. Each female flies alone, independently digging and provisioning her own nest. Cicada killer wasps prefer areas with well-drained, sandy or light soil, often in full sun and nearby cicada-heavy locations. Females hunt cicadas by sight, paralyze them with a sting, and drag them into their burrows for their larvae. The female places the paralyzed cicadas in cells at the ends of her tunnel, laying a single egg on each. Adult cicada killer wasps also feed on flower nectar for energy and are generally not considered dangerous to humans, rarely stinging unless provoked or disturbed.

They’re called cicada killer wasps because they eat cicadas, which can be damaging to young trees, so in a sense, they’re actually beneficial. Cicada killer wasps can be found throughout the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. and parts of the Midwest, including Iowa. In Iowa, these large, solitary wasps are active from early July to mid-August, coinciding with the emergence of annual cicadas. Cicada killer wasps rarely sting humans. For identification or management advice, the Iowa State University Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic is a helpful resource.

Introduction to the Cicada Killer Wasp

The cicada killer wasp is a strikingly large insect that often catches the eye of Iowa homeowners during the summer months. As a solitary wasp species, the cicada killer does not form social colonies like other wasps or honey bees, but instead lives independently, with each female responsible for her own nest. Unlike other wasp species that are more aggressive and form large colonies, cicada killer wasps are much less likely to sting and are generally non-confrontational. These wasps are most commonly found throughout the eastern two-thirds of the United States, including right here in Iowa, where their activity peaks in areas with well-drained, sandy soils in sunny locations, which they prefer for nesting.

Despite their intimidating appearance, cicada killer wasps are generally beneficial insects. Their primary role in the ecosystem is to help control cicada populations. Cicada killer wasps primarily target cicadas and pose minimal risk to other insects such as honey bees and bumble bees, making them harmless neighbors for most gardens and landscapes. The female cicada killer wasp captures annual cicadas, paralyzes them with her sting, and then transports them to nest tunnels extending deep underground—sometimes up to 24 inches. Inside these nest tunnels, she lays a single egg on each paralyzed cicada, providing a ready food source for the developing wasp larvae. As the wasp larvae feed on the immobilized cicadas, they complete an essential part of the cicada killer’s life cycle.

While the presence of cicada killer wasps can be a temporary annoyance, especially when they dig nests in lawns, flower beds, or near frequently used doors, they are rarely aggressive toward humans or pets. In fact, their activity is usually short-lived and can be safely tolerated in most cases. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating life cycle and behavior of the cicada killer wasp, how to recognize their nests, and practical steps for managing their presence around your home or business.

What are the dangers of cicada killer wasps?

On the other hand, cicada killers, which belong to a group of solitary wasps, can be bothersome, especially around high-traffic homes, golf courses, or around swimming pools. They can be a nuisance due to their burrowing behavior, which can damage the roots of plants and make some structures unstable. Cicada killers create significant soil disruption in high-traffic or poorly vegetated dry areas. These wasps, also known as ground digger wasps, can also significantly damage gardens and lawns when they dig up grass to create dens for laying eggs. Cicada killer wasps can typically return yearly, with new generations establishing nests each season.

If a nest is located near a frequently used door or other way location, such as a mailbox or main entry, removal may be justified to prevent problems.

Male cicada killer wasps are known for their territory protection behavior. The male wasp is aggressive and territorial, often patrolling the nesting area and chasing away intruders or potential predators. However, male wasps do not possess stingers and are not a threat to humans or pets.

Female cicada killer wasps can sting, but are generally docile and will only sting if provoked, disturbed, or handled. Cicada killer wasps are generally not aggressive towards humans and rarely sting unless provoked. Stings inflicted by these wasps are uncommon, and when they do occur, the reaction varies depending on individual sensitivity. Their venom can cause allergic reactions in rare cases, so it is important to be cautious if you are sensitive to insect stings.

Here are some of the ways to control cicada killer wasps and how to recognize them.

What does a cicada killer wasp look like?

The cicada killer wasp found in Iowa is specifically the eastern cicada killer, a large, solitary wasp known for preying on cicadas. As one of North America’s largest wasps, the size of an eastern cicada killer looks daunting compared to bumble bees and other large insects. Some eastern cicada killers can reach up to 3” in length, although most adults are about 1 ½ to 1 5/8” long. Usually, the males are smaller than the females. Eastern cicada killer wasps are often mistaken for more aggressive species like murder hornets due to their large size, but they are generally not dangerous to people, honey bees, or bumble bees.

They have a black abdomen with yellow markings on both the thorax and abdomen, and their wings are amber or orange-colored and translucent, making them easy to distinguish from other wasps. Their head and thorax are dark red, and they have brown legs. In fact, their coloration can resemble that of yellow jackets or other types of wasps or hornets. Another distinguishing feature is the nest holes they dig in the ground, which often have a U-shaped appearance at the entrance. Besides having a distinct color, they make their presence known with their loud buzzing sound, which can frighten people as well as predators.

Habitat and behavior of cicada killer wasps

Cicada killer wasps are a fascinating example of solitary wasps that live independently, unlike social colony insects such as honey bees or bumble bees. In Iowa, these wasps are most often found in areas with well-drained, sandy or light soil and full sun—think flower beds, golf courses, and open yards, especially those near trees with abundant cicada populations. Their preference for these habitats means you’ll often spot cicada killer wasp nests holes at the edges of sidewalks, driveways, or in sunny patches of soil.

The female cicada killer wasp is solely responsible for the entire nesting process. She spends her summer digging burrows, creating nest tunnels extending up to 24 inches underground. Within these tunnels, she forms several cells located at the ends, each provisioned with one or two paralyzed cicadas she captures from nearby trees. After placing the cicadas in the cell, the female lays a single egg on each paralyzed cicada, seals the chamber, and moves on—never returning to care for her young. The wasp larvae feed on the immobilized cicadas, developing safely underground until they emerge as adults the following summer. This life cycle is a hallmark of solitary wasps and helps keep cicada populations in check.

Cicada killer wasps are generally beneficial insects, playing an important role in the local ecosystem by controlling cicadas, which can be pests to young trees. While their large size and active digging can be a temporary annoyance—especially in high-traffic areas or where pets play—their presence is usually short-lived and safely tolerated. The female wasp can sting if disturbed, and her venom may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals, but stings are rare. Male cicada killer wasps, while unable to sting, may display territory protection behavior by dive-bombing people, pets, or other large insects, but this is all bluff.

You’ll typically see cicada killer wasps in Iowa from early July through mid-August, visiting flowers for nectar or digging burrows in light soil. If their nests are located in an out-of-the-way spot, it’s often best to leave them alone and appreciate their role as a natural pest controller. For more information on the life cycle and management of cicada killer wasps, the Iowa State University Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic is an excellent resource. If you suspect a cicada killer wasp infestation in a problematic location, contacting a professional pest control expert like Miller Pest Solutions can help you safely and effectively manage these unique wasps.

What are the signs of cicada killer wasp nests infestation?

There are several “red flags” that can suggest an infestation of cicada killer wasps in Des Moines. For example, noting small granular dirt mounds that range from 2” to 5” high can be a clue. If you see a hole that’s about the size of a finger, at the foot of a mound of grainy dirt, it could be an indication. Cicada killer wasps are known for digging burrows and creating nest holes that tunnel underground, often with a U-shaped or quarter-sized entrance—these typically occur at the edges of flower beds, sidewalks, or driveways. These nests are typically found in well-drained soil, especially sandy or light soil, in full sun, and often near areas with abundant cicada populations. Inside the nest, cells are located at the ends of the tunnel where the female places paralyzed cicadas for her offspring. You won’t find these nests in moist soil as they’re usually located in dry, well-drained spots or underneath weeds, long grass, or growing flowers.

How to get rid of cicada killer wasps

While you may be able to get rid of just a couple of these wasps that fly around your property consistently by swatting them with a tennis or badminton racket, you probably need to call a professional cicada killer wasp exterminator in Des Moines when dealing with more than four wasps. To quickly kill individual wasps, apply one tablespoon of carbaryl dust inside a tunnel opening. You could also step on the wasps as they enter or leave their burrow. Another method is to brush away the dirt pile at the entrance of burrows as this can disorient female wasps so that they won’t be able to find their way back to their nests.

Applying insecticidal dust on nest entrances can work for infestations that aren’t too widespread. Just don’t disturb the burrow. This is because, in order for an insecticide to work, a wasp must come in direct contact with it. The practical control for cicada killer wasps is to apply insecticide dust or wasp aerosol foam directly into the nest opening at night, when the wasps are less active. After all activity has stopped, covering the nest opening with soil can help prevent cicada killer wasps from returning.

Sprays aren’t that effective. This is because there’s not enough residue for adequately killing adult wasps while walking through a treated area. What’s more, you may need to do repeat treatments for as long as two to three weeks for new wasps moving into the area. However, you can kill adults when using a wasp aerosol spray, but this must be done at close range, which requires the skills and experience of a professional exterminator. Professional pest control services can help manage cicada killer wasp infestations effectively.

For additional information and advice on identifying and managing cicada killer wasps, the Iowa State University Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic is a valuable resource.

Things to consider when getting rid of cicada killer wasps

  • Keeping your yard moist or drenching it with a garden hose can help in preventing wasps from returning as these pests don’t build their nests on wet ground.

  • Locate nests during the daytime if you plan to use chemical treatments, but do the actual treatment after it gets dark or before sunrise because this is the time when it’s the coolest, so females are in their nests. An ideal time is when it’s cooler than 60 degrees F.

  • Before venturing out in the dark to do a treatment, take a flashlight that’s has a red cellophane cover for lighting purposes and wear protective clothes.

  • To block tunnels, use garden geotextiles that are covered in mulch for wasps in flower beds.

  • It’s the female wasps that do the stinging, which is only done when they’re attacked. In other words, they’re passive and not active stingers.

Are you battling an insect or pest problem? Keep in mind that exterminators are equipped with the best tools that equal success when it comes to pest control. If you have an infestation, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Miller Pest Solutions.