Cicada killers: Summer’s misunderstood giants

Published 5:00 am Saturday, July 25, 2026

Nothing says summer like the chorus of cicadas. Those annual cicadas also signal the arrival of cicada killer wasps, one of Illinois’ largest and most misunderstood wasps. Despite their large intimidating appearance, they are generally harmless.

What do cicada killer wasps look like?

Eastern cicada killers (sphecius speciosus) are the largest wasps we have in Illinois, reaching 1.5 to 2 inches long. They have a reddish-brown head and thorax, orangish-brown wings and a black abdomen with yellow bands. Females usually are larger than males.

Cicadas’ worst enemy

Adult cicada killers begin emerging in late June or early July, around the same time annual cicadas appear. After emerging, the adults feed on nectar and plant sap. The males establish territories and attempt to drive off intruders, including humans. If someone walks into a male’s territory, it will hover in front of them (often at eye level) to determine if they are a threat or rival. After determining the individual doesn’t pose a risk, they will ignore them.

Females dig burrows in well-drained areas with light-textured soils (think sandy rather than clay) that get full sun. They often burrow in areas with little or no vegetation, such as along sidewalks or patio edges, in garden beds, sand traps on golf courses, baseball/softball infields, sandboxes and volleyball courts. Once the burrow has been dug, the females begin hunting for cicadas.

Female cicada killers will search nearby trees and shrubs for annual cicadas. Once a cicada is located, the wasp will sting the cicada, paralyzing it, and transport it to its burrow. Once back, the cicadas are placed in a chamber, an egg is laid and the chamber is sealed. The larvae will feed on cicadas for about one to two weeks. The mature larvae then spin a cocoon and remain underground through the winter before pupating in the spring.

How do I get rid of cicada killers?

While the males are territorial and will try to intimidate things that enter their territory, they are harmless. Females are not aggressive and typically won’t sting unless handled or stepped on. Because cicada killers are solitary, non-aggressive wasps that help regulate cicada populations, management typically is unnecessary.

One way to discourage their burrowing in yards is to maintain a healthy, dense stand of turf. If they are burrowing in landscape beds, mulch or a groundcover can be used. Another potential strategy to discourage them from burrowing in an area is to keep the soil moist. The wasps don’t like wet soil, and watering the ground may help the soil settle into their tunnels, further discouraging them.

Chemical control rarely is needed and should be used in situations where wasps are burrowing in high-traffic areas and creating a legitimate concern. Insecticide dusts with active ingredients such as carbaryl, bifenthrin or permethrin can be applied to the entrances of their tunnels. Make sure to read and follow all label directions.

While their large size and territorial behavior can be intimidating, cicada killers are typically more interested in hunting cicadas than bothering people. Learning to appreciate these misunderstood wasps can make summer a little less frightening and a lot more fascinating.

Good Growing Fact of the Week: Why can’t male cicada killers (or other male wasps, bees and ants) sting? Because the stingers of these insects are modified egg-laying devices, and only females have them.