Velvet Ants

Identification

• Size varies from 1/8-7/8”

• Color varies: red, orange, yellow, and white are all seen

• Fuzzy bodies

• Name is misleading, they are really solitary ground wasps

Environment

• Found on the ground in bare or sandy areas, which other ground nesting bees and wasps use for nests

• They may enter a structure to feed

• Found through much of the United States

Threats

• Females may sting if handled or stepped on

• Stings may be life threatening to sensitive individuals

Treatment

• Know what they look like and avoid them

• Carefully remove them from an area if necessary

• There are no products available for their treatment, but treating for other ground nesting wasps and bees should be enough of a deterrent for velvet ants