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I have a question regarding Cicada bees. I think that is what I have had for several years. They are in one area of our mulched bank and emerge May/June. They are annoying. I was told to mulch heavily and that may help. Susan
Answer
You actually have Cicada Killer Wasps. Not many
people get a chance to see this very interesting
wasp. These are fascinating to watch and are
not at all harmful to humans. In fact, they are not
interested in humans at all. Actually, the male
wasp cannot sting and, although the female can, it
is a very mild sting that is not painful. Having said
that, their large size (1-2+" long) (one of the largest
wasp species known), dangerous look and divebombing
habit of the males, makes them appear ferocious. They are a very species
specific beneficial insect. Their main job is to find cicada insects, kill it and drag it into
their nest hole, which is usually underground, and lay an egg on it to feed the growing
wasp larvae. The female wasp actually stuns the cicada, flips it on its back, picks it up
and flies it home. Yes, they are big, but won't hurt you. They are only active for several
months during the summer.
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About Linda Lillie
Linda K. Lillie is the President of Sprigs & Twigs, Inc, the premier
landscape design and maintenance, tree care, lawn care, stonework, and carpentry
service provider in southeastern Connecticut since 1997. She is a graduate of
Connecticut College in Botany, a Connecticut Master Gardener and a national
award winning landscape designer for her landscape design and landscape installation work.
