The Sunshine Gardening Podcast

In this episode of the Sunshine Gardening podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand welcomes Dr. Ric Bessin, an entomologist with the University of Kentucky, to discuss the Cicada Killer Wasp. Due to its size and appearance, this species is often mistaken for more aggressive hornets.



Cicada Killer Wasp Introduction

Dr. Bessin explains that Cicada Killer Wasps are midsummer insects that emerge to hunt cicadas, particularly the dog day cicada, during the peak summer heat. Despite their intimidating size, these wasps are beneficial as they control cicada populations, which can be noisy and detrimental to young trees. He clarifies that the female wasps, capable of stinging, are generally non-aggressive and do not defend their nests as hornets do. This reduces the likelihood of humans getting stung unless direct contact occurs, like stepping on a wasp.

Cicada Killer Wasp

Cicada Killer Wasp Characteristics

Dr. Bessin also differentiates Cicada Killers from European hornets and other wasps by their physical features, like reddish eyes and black coloration, as opposed to the yellow-dominant palette of the hornets. He stresses that, unlike the public's fear driven by media about murder hornets, Cicada Killer Wasps pose minimal risk and should not be a concern, especially since murder hornets are not seen in Kentucky.

Other Stinging Insects Photo Source: University of Kentucky Extension

Cicada Killer Wasp Lifecycle

Further into the conversation, Dr. Bessin details the life cycle of the Cicada Killer Wasp, explaining how females construct underground nests, paralyze cicadas with their sting, and lay eggs on the immobilized cicadas to provide food for the emerging larva. The larvae feed on the cicadas, growing into adult wasps that will continue the cycle the following year. He mentions that males do not hunt but instead focus on finding females to mate with, and unlike females, males cannot sting.

Dr. Bessin suggests ways to discourage nesting in unwanted areas, such as maintaining a thick lawn and using mulch in garden areas. He reiterates that Cicada Killer Wasps contribute positively by aerating the soil and recycling nutrients, though their tunneling might be unsightly.

Environmental Benefits

By the end of the podcast, Kristin and Dr. Bessin discuss the environmental benefits provided by Cicada Killers and encourage listeners to minimize pesticide use, which will benefit these natural pest controllers. For further information, Dr. Bessin directs listeners to a fact sheet on Cicada Killer Wasps, available on the University of Kentucky's entomology website.

This discussion educates listeners on the critical role of Cicada Killer Wasps in ecosystems, aiming to reduce unwarranted fear and promote appreciation for these garden allies.

References:

Cicada Killer Wasps, ENTFACT-004: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/files/ef004.pdf