Where Are the Killer Wasps?
WouterDuring the summer months, you may notice the large wasps roaming the landscape. While they are solitary insects, they are capable of causing a painful sting. If you find yourself suffering from a sting, an ice pack can help alleviate the pain.
These wasps are not native to North America, but they are making their presence known. They have been detected in the Pacific Northwest and Vancouver Island, Canada. They are not considered widespread, but they may have been introduced independently.
In the summer months, the females are active. They dig tunnels in lawns and flower beds. Typically, they will dig a tunnel in the ground with a U-shaped collar around the entrance. Individual tunnels may be up to 70 inches long. They are usually seen in sandy soil.
In the winter, the larvae feed on cicadas. They then burrow into the cicada’s shell, which they then consume from inside out. This process takes about ten days. During this time, the cicada continues to buzz. After the larva is completely fed, it emerges as a full adult in mid-summer.
Although these wasps are large, they are not aggressive. They only sting if you mishandle them. If you are allergic to stings, an ice pack can help alleviate any pain.
In the United States, these wasps are most often found in the eastern half of the country. They are similar in size to northern giant hornets. However, they do not have yellow markings on their heads.
