How to Control Digger Wasps

Digger wasps have a lifespan of approximately one month.

Digger wasps come in many colors including black, blue, yellow and orange. They normally measure 3/4 inch in length but can be up to 2 inches. They are not aggressive wasps and rarely target humans, but they do sting when they feel threatened. Diggers are solitary wasps, unlike most other insects that colonize. You'll often see them flying low over lawns during the day as they are looking for food sources. They typically nest in the ground or in rotten wood or plants. Digger wasps are pesky critters that can be a nuisance when they take up residence where they aren't wanted.

Things You'll Need

• Can of insecticide dust
• Flashlight

Instructions

1. Look for digger wasp nests in the ground by watching to see where the wasps go. A digger wasp nest will be 1 to 5 inches in height and will look like it is made of granules of dirt. There will be a pointer finger-sized hole at the base of the mound.

2. Use the flashlight to guide you to the digger wasp nest in the yard after nightfall. If you aren't confident you'll be able to identify the nest at night, carefully place a flag, stick or other item near the nest during the day so you can easily find it when the time comes to apply the insecticide dust.

3. Sprinkle the insecticide dust in and around the nest.

4. Repeat two days later if you still see wasps going in and out of the nest.

5. Cover the mound up with dirt once there are no longer wasps flying in and out of the nest.

Tips & Warnings

• Commonly used insecticide dusts include diazinon, carbaryl (Sevin) and bendiocarb (Ficam When applying the insecticide dust, wear dark clothes. Wearing white clothing will draw the wasps to you like a beacon if they get annoyed before you are out of their range.

• Use a low-powered flashlight when doing the treatment so as not to stir up the critters.

• You may find new nests popping up from the surviving wasps. Repeat the steps and you will eventually find the number of nests decreasing.

• Insecticide dust may be toxic. Wear disposable gloves and a mask when using the powder.

• Before using insecticide dust, read the label carefully and follow the directions for your safety.

• If you are allergic to bee stings, get someone else to conduct the wasp control techniques.

• If you have outdoor pets, buy a product that is safe for them or don't allow the pets near the contaminated area. Insecticide powder is toxic to pets.

References

• Iowa State University: Digger Wasps
• Talk about Wildlife: Digger Wasp Family
• "Bees, Wasps, and Ants: The Indispensable Role of Hymenoptera in Gardens"; Eric Grissell; 2010