Cicada Killer Bee: What You Need To Know

The cicada killer bee is one of the largest and most feared bees in North America. They can be up to 2 inches long and have a very aggressive nature. While their stings are not particularly painful, they can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

These bees are mostly black with yellow markings on their abdomen. They build their nests in the ground, often near cicadas, hence their name.

What do Cicada Killer Bees look like?

Cicada killer wasps are a species of bee that tends to grow very large in size. They are easily identifiable by their black and yellow coloring, as well as their large size. They can be dangerous if they feel threatened, so it is important to be able to identify them correctly.

Cicada Killer Bees: What You Need to Know About These Bees

This bee is known for its aggressive behavior. They can be easily identified by their size – adults may grow up to 2 inches in length, and the females are quite a bit larger than the males.

Additionally, they make a loud buzzing noise when they fly, which can be heard from some distance away.

They have shaded brown wings and legs that can be pale red or more vibrant orange. Their eyes can be black or red and are set far apart on their head.

How can one identify Cicada killer bees?

Cicada killer perched on a leaf in the grass.

Cicada killer bees are a species of bee that is known for its tendency to prey on cicadas. They can be easily identified by their large size—adults may grow up to 2 inches in length, and the females are quite a bit larger than the males.

They are also black and yellow in color, making them relatively easy to spot.

Additionally, their wings are shaded brown, and their legs can vary in color from pale red to a more vibrant orange. Their eyes can be black or red and are set far apart on their head.

What are the signs of Cicada Killer Bees?

Cicada Killer Bees are a type of wasp that is known for their habit of preying on cicadas. They are generally not aggressive and will only sting humans if they feel threatened.

They can cause quite a bit of damage to your property if left uncontrolled. They will dig and tunnel through areas in your yard to lay their eggs. When the eggs of these pests hatch, the female raises her babies underground.

Cicada Killer Bees typically build their nests in the ground, and you can look out for these signs to know if you have them near your home: 

– The presence of large numbers of cicadas around your property.

Bee activity around holes on the ground, especially during summer months.

– If you see a bee that is larger than honeybees and has a black and yellow striped abdomen.

While Cicada Killer Bees aren’t generally aggressive, you should still be aware of them. They get their name because they hunt cicadas as food for their larvae.

After the larvae hatch from the egg, they will feed on the provided cicada, create a cocoon, hibernate for the winter, and then emerge from the ground as adults, ready to mate and continue the life cycle.

Can Cicada Killer Bees hurt me?

Cicada killer bee

The cicada killer’s name makes them sound much more aggressive and dangerous than they actually are. These bees have derived their name from their tendency to prey on cicadas, which they kill by stinging them in flight.

While they can be intimidating, these bees are not known to sting humans unless they feel threatened.

Interestingly, Cicada Killer Bees have a very interesting mating ritual. The males are much more aggressive than the females and will pursue any intruder of their territory. However, the females do have a stinger and are rarely, if ever, known to sting someone.

Although cicada killer bees are not aggressive and will only sting humans if they feel threatened, their stings can be quite painful.

Their venom is also potent enough to cause an allergic reaction in some people, so it is best to stay away from these bees if you know that you are allergic.

What can you do to eliminate Cicada Killer Bees?

Cicada killer bees are attracted to organic materials such as decaying matter and compost piles. If you have these on your property, it is more likely that you will have cicada killer bees.

You can take steps to eliminate them by getting rid of the organic materials or using bee repellent.

Homeowners can take action to eliminate Cicada Killer Bees. Insecticidal dust can be used in and around the entrance of their burrows, which is the most effective way to get rid of these bees.

If there is an abundance of cicada killer bees near your home, you should contact a pest management professional. These professionals have the knowledge and tools to safely remove the bees from your property.

How do you prevent Cicada Killer Bees?

Cicada killer bee on leaf

Cicada Killer Bees are a type of wasp that is known for its habit of hunting and killing cicadas. They build their nests underground, making them difficult to spot.

They can be dangerous if disturbed, so it is important to know how to prevent them from nesting in your yard or garden.

As cicada killer bees become more common in certain areas, it is important to know how to prevent them from attacking your property.

The best way to do this is by contacting a professional who can help you identify and address any potential problems with these bees.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do yourself to prevent cicada killer bees from nesting on your property. Cicada killers are attracted to sandy soil, so if you have a garden or flower bed with loose soil, there is a good chance the bees will nest there.

You can try to discourage them by planting non-bee-friendly plants and flowers, but it is ultimately up to the bees whether they want to nest on your property or not.

Summary

Now you must be clear on what Cicada killer bees are and how they have obtained their name, along with the best way to eliminate them from your property. However, it is recommended to reach out to a pest control company in case of an infestation.