You are probably seeing cicada killer wasps working overtime these last few weeks of summer. They are preparing to overwinter by digging their underground burrows and stuffing them with paralyzed cicadas that they will use as food for their larvae.
Cicada tunnels can range from 30-70 inches long and run 12-15 inches below the surface. Each tunnel has an average of 15 side chambers. Each tunnel contains 1-3 paralyzed cicadas and a cicada egg that is due to hatch in 2-3 days. The larvae will feed for about 10 days before leaving the tunnel. Cicadas only produce one generation each year.
Where are cicadas found?
Cicadas do not have a pack mentality; they are typically a solitary species. They prefer dry, light textured soils in full sunlight that are near trees that harbor other cicadas. Common places to find cicada killers are along sidewalks, patios, in flowers beds, gardens, sand boxes and in lawns.
Do cicadas sting?
Female cicadas have stingers that are used to inject venom into other cicadas that causes them to be paralyzed. Female cicada stings are very painful. Luckily, females are not territorial like honey bees or hornets. Male cicadas do not have stingers but are very territorial.
Can cicada killers cause damage?
Female cicada killers burrow and dig tunnels which cause the soil to be misplaced and smother grass. Cicadas dig loose soil in garden and flower beds that can ruin garden plants and/or vegetables. A burrow at the base of a plant can disrupt the root system.
How to get rid of cicadas?
Cicadas do not like wet soil so keeping soil watered will deter them from making their borrows and cause current cicadas to abandon the site. Watering the soil can also help to settle the soil back into the ground if it has been disrupted by a burrowing cicada. Another tip is to regularly stir soil or sand to discourage wasps from creating tunnels.
When treating for cicadas, the application should be made directly into the burrow or at entrance. If you have cicadas messing up your lawn, call Northwest!
There are few things more important to us at Northwest than protecting the Earth. In today’s world, there is no excuse not to go green – especially, when it comes to pest control. NorPest Green is an all-around Eco-friendly program that utilizes what nature has given us to protect homes, and businesses from pests.
NorPest Green is a customized program that utilizes only the most innovative and advanced products and equipment available. Our products’ active ingredients are derived from flowers, plants, and natural elements from the earth. Our green pest control doesn’t use harsh chemicals and is just as effective as traditional pest control.
NorPest Green Highlights:
Kind to your natural surroundings
Uses botanicals and earth-based products
Enhances the health of living and working environments by keeping pests out
While the environment is crucial on our list of priorities, our customers are number one! That’s why we think home and business owners should… Trust the Mouse!
You’ve heard the news about the large numbers of ticks that have decided to come out earlier in the season than usual. But if you are like me you thought “Well that sure stinks that it’s happening to other people but I’m sure it won’t happen to me”. WRONG!! Actually, the day Dr. Goo’s Corner: Ticks was posted I came home and found a tick on my beloved boxer! It’s a good thing I had read that blog post because I knew I had to get that tick off of my dog immediately.
It’s important that ticks are removed quickly and correctly. To be sure that you know how to properly remove a tick from yourself or your dog, we’ve provided instructions.
How to properly remove a tick:
Don’t panic
Using tweezers, grab the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible
Slowly pull the tick upward with a steady, gentle, and even pressure. Do not twist or yank the tick; this can cause the mouth of the tick to remain in the skin. If this happens, try removing the mouth with the tweezers. If the mouth doesn’t come out do not keep trying, this can cause an irritation of the skin. Let the skin rest and try again later. If it still does not come out, see a doctor or veterinarian for advice on having it removed or waiting for it to come out on its own.
Once the tick has been removed, thoroughly clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
If any strange symptoms, such as rash or fever, occur in the following weeks, notify a doctor or veterinarian.
If you think that you may have a tick problem in or around your home call a professional exterminating company to inspect your property.
Picture courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ticks in Atlanta and surrounding areas are on the rise this season because of our warm winter. Trust Northwest to protect your home, family, and pets from ticks.
