Cicada Killer

Cicada killers are large wasps, typically 1 to 1.5 inches long, with a black body marked with yellow stripes or bands. They have reddish-brown wings and a robust build. Females are larger than males.

Look for large, nickel-sized holes in the ground, often in areas with bare soil or thin turfgrass, especially near patios or walkways. You might also see cicada killers flying low to the ground or dragging paralyzed cicadas towards their burrows. These wasps are generally solitary, so finding a few holes doesn't necessarily indicate a large infestation.

MBPC offers targeted treatments to eliminate cicada killer wasps and prevent them from nesting on your Grand Strand property. Our licensed technicians use EPA-approved products applied directly to the nest entrances. Prevention is key, and we can advise on cultural practices to make your lawn less attractive to these wasps, adhering to all SC Department of Pesticide Regulation guidelines.

Maintain a thick, healthy lawn, as cicada killers prefer bare or sparsely vegetated areas. Regularly aerate and dethatch your lawn to improve drainage and reduce soil compaction, which makes it less appealing for nesting. Avoid overwatering, which can attract cicadas, their primary food source, in your Myrtle Beach yard.

Cicada killers prefer sunny areas with well-drained, sandy soils, common in the coastal regions of South Carolina. They are frequently found in lawns, gardens, and along the edges of wooded areas. Their presence is more noticeable during the summer months when cicadas are active, providing them with a food source for their larvae.

Peak activity: Summer