Contents
Introduction
If you are a resident of Colorado, you might have seen a large insect flying around your yard during the summer months. This insect might be the cicada killer wasp, which is native to Colorado and is known for its size and distinctive behavior. In this article, we will explore the facts, tips, and prevention methods related to cicada killer wasps in Colorado.
Facts about Cicada Killer Wasps
Cicada killer wasps are large and solitary wasps that are known for their distinctive behavior of hunting cicadas. They are about 2 inches in length and have a black and yellow striped abdomen. These wasps are not aggressive towards humans and will only sting when provoked. The female cicada killer wasp is the one that hunts cicadas and will sting them to paralyze them. She then carries the cicada back to her underground nest, where she lays her eggs on it. The eggs hatch, and the larvae feed on the cicada.
Behavior of Cicada Killer Wasps
Cicada killer wasps are active during the summer months and can be found in areas with sandy soil. They prefer to nest in areas where there is ample sunlight and relatively dry soil. The female wasp will dig a hole in the ground, where she will construct her nest. She will then hunt cicadas and bring them back to her nest to lay her eggs. The male cicada killer wasps do not hunt cicadas and are only interested in mating with the female wasps.
Prevention of Cicada Killer Wasps
If you are concerned about cicada killer wasps in your yard, there are a few prevention methods that you can follow. Firstly, you can try to reduce the amount of bare soil in your yard, as cicada killer wasps prefer to nest in areas with sandy soil. Secondly, you can try to reduce the cicada population in your yard by removing their habitat. Cicada killer wasps are attracted to cicadas, so reducing the cicada population can help to reduce the number of cicada killer wasps in your yard.
Tips for Dealing with Cicada Killer Wasps
If you encounter a cicada killer wasp, it is important to remain calm and not to provoke it. These wasps are not aggressive towards humans and will only sting when provoked. If you have a cicada killer wasp nest in your yard, it is best to leave it alone and let the wasps go about their business. If you are concerned about the nest, you can contact a pest control professional to remove it.
Conclusion
Cicada killer wasps are a common sight in Colorado during the summer months. While these wasps can be intimidating due to their size, they are not aggressive towards humans and will only sting when provoked. By following the prevention methods and tips discussed in this article, you can coexist with cicada killer wasps in your yard without any issues.