How to Kill Cicadas and Wasps
Cicadas are more than just a noisy nuisance to property owners. Cicadas split open and suck the moisture from budding twigs, causing leaves and fruit to expire prematurely. While cicadas do attract a natural predator -- enormous wasps known as Cicada Killers -- these too can degrade a yard with excessive burrowing. Logic dictates that controlling the cicada population will consequently solve the wasp problem, but this desired result may take longer than is tolerable. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Start with green methods. Crows, grackles and other birds gorge on cicadas. Attract them without seed, since you want to keep them hungry. Employ calls and decoys for crows. Provide them with a good birdbath and they will bring their appetites.
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Cover smaller trees with cheesecloth to prevent cicada penetration.
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Make an inventory of your trees and shrubs to determine which chemical repellents and insecticides are appropriate for the given species. Consult your pesticide dealer for the best course of action.
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Apply chemicals according to directions. Make sure there are no exposed areas of the tree or shrub after treatment. The cicada needs only the smallest opening.
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Wait a couple of weeks, and then check the yard for the horseshoe mounds left by the digging Cicada Killers. Look for a reduction in burrowing activity.
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Repeat the chemical application, this time for the wasps. Apply treatment to the burrows where the wasps nest. Discuss the proper toxin for effectiveness and lawn health with an informed professional.
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Tips & Warnings
Cicada Killer wasps generally mind their own business and keep to themselves. They will sting if they feel threatened, so approach with caution.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cicada image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
