Departments of Plant Pathology and Entomology
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
North Carolina State University

ORNAMENTALS
AND
TURF

North Carolina Pest News
Volume 13, Number 12, July 10, 1998
Stephen J. Toth, Jr. and Thomas A. Melton, editors

The information and recommendations in this newsletter are applicable to North Carolina and may not apply in other areas.

From: Stephen B. Bambara, Extension Entomologist

Cow Killer Wasps

In the July 2, 1998 North Carolina Pest News there is an article about the cicada killer wasp and how it parasitizes cicadas. Later this summer, cow killer wasps (large, colorful, wingless wasps) might be seen patrolling across the ground by foot looking for burrows of cicada killer wasps.

This attractive wasp is one of the velvet ants. Female velvet ants seek out a host nest and lay their eggs on the host larva. The velvet ant larva consumes the host wasp larva, pupates and matures into another generation of velvet ants. It uses its amazing stinger for defense should it be discovered by the cicada killer wasp in its nest. It also has an exceptionally tough exoskeleton to protect it from stings by a cicada killer. It squeaks audibly, especially when stepped on. However, if handled, the squeaks of the cow killer would be drowned out by screams of the victim. All velvet ants are parasitic wasps. The females are wingless and resemble hairy ants. The males have wings and resemble other small, dark wasps.

Velvet ants are rarely numerous and control measures are usually not needed. However, a hard-soled shoe or one of the commercial bee and wasp aerosols will kill this insect.

From: Rick L. Brandenburg, Extension Entomologist

Cicada Killer Wasps Around Turf

Cicada killer wasps continue to terrorize the young and old alike! These rather impressive yellow and black wasps are flying around close to the ground near nesting sites. While not too aggressive, they can put a painful sting on someone unfortunate to step, lay, or sit on one. However, this is apparently a very rare event as I have received one call in the last 17 years regarding someone stung by this wasp.

Treating these wasps with insecticide is not recommended since they are beneficial insects. Insecticide treatment usually does not provide very effective control. However, as one plans ahead, cicada killer wasps usually prefer areas where the turf is thin. This may be in shady areas, under shrubs, etc. A good method to reduce populations is to keep a good cover of mulch under shrubs and to maintain a healthy, thick stand of turf in other areas. Consider the use of ground covers in shady areas.

Web page last updated on July 13, 1998 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr..

This Web version is a cooperative effort between the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and the Center for Integrated Pest Management