Cicada Killer Wasp Removal Services in Illinois

It’s understandable to get nervous when you see any wasps getting comfortable around your home. Despite their threatening name, cicada killer wasps aren’t usually a threat to humans, but it’s best to call a professional pest control service if you want them removed.

American Pest Control has been providing Illinois homeowners with fast, eco-friendly pest control solutions since 2001. Cicada killer wasp removal gives you peace of mind that you can enjoy your backyard with family and friends without worrying that you or anyone else is going to step on one.

Let’s take a look at this unusual wasp and why it’s better to be safe than sorry if they show up.

What Is A Cicada Killer?

As the name implies, a cicada killer is a wasp that kills cicadas. They use their stingers to paralyze unsuspecting cicada prey and serve them to their babies as their next meal.

Cicada killer wasps are also commonly referred to as digger wasps because they burrow into the ground to build their homes. Their burrows look like a cylindrical hole, about ½ inch in diameter, but they can be around 10 to 15 inches deep.

These multiple chambers connect underground, forming roughly 70 inches of tunnels. The females dig the tunnels and lay their eggs in the chambers.

Cicada Killer Wasp

What Do Cicada Killer Wasps Look Like?

Cicada killer wasps can grow up to two inches long with stingers measuring ¼ inch, making them quite intimidating. The abdomen portion of their segmented bodies is black with yellow markings, their legs are orange or pale red, and their wings are brown. The females are twice the size of the males and are the only ones that sting.

Why Do Cicada Killers Show Up in Illinois?

Illinois is well-known for having a large cicada population, including annual cicadas and periodical cicadas. Cicada killers flock to Illinois to enjoy a regular diet of their main food source. They also thrive in the state’s spacious, sandy environment.

Why Should I Get Cicada Killer Pest Control?

You may be wondering, if cicada killer wasps aren’t usually dangerous to humans, why should you contact a pest control service? While cicada killer wasps are less dangerous than other wasp species, they can still be a nuisance to your garden and crops.

Cicada killers may get rid of cicadas from your garden, but if they are not stopped early on, your plants will have a difficult time growing beneath the surface of the soil. They often burrow in sandy spots and sparse areas of your lawn. To hunt, they seek out sunny spots near the trees where the cicadas live.

If you see a cicada killer wasp or find their burrow holes around your yard or garden, create a safe plan to kill the cicada killers before they do too much damage.

3 Common Signs You Have a Cicada Killer Wasp Infestation

Think you have an infestation on your hands? Before you call a professional for cicada killer wasp removal, double-check these three most common signs.

More Cicada Killer Wasps Than Usual

Seeing a cicada killer wasp in Illinois once or twice a week isn’t any cause for alarm. If you notice several within a week or over the course of a few days, you may have a growing infestation.

U-Shaped Burrows in Your Garden or Backyard

If you have any doubt about the first sign on this list, their signature U-shaped burrows winding through your yard or lawn will confirm any suspicions. Since their primary food source is cicadas, these wasps stick to the ground to get closer to their prey.

Lingering Activity Around Your Lawn or Backyard

If you notice several cicada killer wasps lingering in small swarms, you may be seeing males defending their burrows from intruders. That’s a surefire sign they’re thinking of setting up shop and staying for a while.

Why DIY Cicada Killer Wasp Removal Methods Don’t Work

If you’re thinking of DIY methods, your odds of success will be pretty low. Insecticides may work for a time, but they can damage your lawn or garden’s ability to grow in the future and when not used properly, can be a hazard to wildlife – and pets.

Likewise, if you miss a spot or not use enough, you could have the infestation come right back before you know it. It’s best to leave cicada killer wasp removal to the professionals so you can get the job done right the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t leave your home’s safety up to chance with a pest infestation. After reading these common questions, reach out to American Pest Control services. We have several locations throughout Illinois to help you get reliable treatment for cicada killers in Illinois.

Cicada killer wasps are seasonal and can linger for months during the summer as they burrow, eat, and build nests. While they may disappear for a time once it gets cold, they’ll come right back unless you clear up the infestation.

Cicada killer wasps prefer dry, sandy environments for burrowing, so they tend to steer clear of moist soil and dense lawns. They also gather wherever there are cicada populations, so a lack of food means they’ll flock elsewhere.

Common symptoms after a sting include redness, swelling, stinging, and a lingering welt. While most people will heal without complications, some may experience an allergic reaction such as hives, rashes, and difficulty breathing that requires immediate medical attention.

Cicada killer wasps are rarely dangerous to people since they’re non-aggressive and have a less painful sting. Pets may have complications if they are stung in the mouth or receive multiple stings at once.

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American Pest Control

American Pest Control has over seven decades of experience with cicada killer removal in local areas. To get started, we’ll provide you with a transparent quote for our services. We can then track the wasps down and safely remove them, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Contact us to learn more about how to kill cicada killers and treat your property for pests of all kinds. We also offer quarterly services to keep your property pest-free all year.