There are around 100,000 species of wasps, and they all build impressive nests. However, some wasps choose to build their nests underground. It’s important for homeowners to understand the difference between ground wasps and other types of wasps so that they can deal with them properly.
One type of ground wasp is the cicada killer wasp. While they prefer to leave humans alone and focus on hunting cicadas, female cicada killer wasps will sting when they feel threatened. Understanding their appearance and life cycle will help homeowners avoid an unfriendly encounter with cicada killer wasps.
Finally, wasps often appear in gardens because they like to feed on plant nectar. While they can provide some benefits, they can also become an annoyance. Contacting a pest control specialist is the best way to deal with a wasp problem in your garden.
Wasps that dig holes and build nests underground are a common nuisance for homeowners. While wasps are beneficial for pest control and pollination ground nests located near your house can pose a safety risk for you and your family. In this article we will identify the most common ground-nesting wasps, explain how to find and get rid of their nests, and provide tips for preventing future infestations.
What Types of Wasps Nest in the Ground?
There are over 30,000 species of wasps worldwide, but only certain types build nests underground. The most common ground-nesting wasps in North America include:
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Cicada killer wasps – Large, up to 2 inches long, with black bodies and yellow stripes. They paralyze cicadas and drag them into burrows.
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Digger wasps – Mostly black or metallic blue, dig burrows to provision with paralyzed insects or spiders for their larvae.
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Yellowjackets – Recognizable yellow and black stripes, nest in the ground or in trees/shrubs. Can be aggressive if provoked.
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Hornets – Larger than yellowjackets with brown or black bodies and bold yellow stripes. Very aggressive nest defenders.
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Mud dauber wasps – Slender black wasps that build mud nest tubes on walls, but sometimes nest in holes. Generally docile.
Identifying Ground Wasp Nests
Ground nests can be tricky to locate since they are hidden underground. Here are some signs that wasps may be nesting on your property:
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Conical mounds of dug-up soil with a large, central hole. Nest entrances are usually 1-2 inches wide.
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Multiple mounds in the same area Ground wasps tend to build colonies with multiple nests close together.
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Holes in sandy, dry, bare areas of your yard. Wasps prefer soft, easily dug soil.
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Increased wasp activity, such as wasps frequently flying in and out of holes.
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Nests near food sources like flower gardens, fruit trees, compost piles, or trash cans.
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Unprovoked aggressive behavior, which indicates established nests nearby.
Removing Ground Wasp Nests
Getting rid of ground nests yourself carries some risk since disturbing them may trigger attacks. For your safety, it’s best to call a pest control professional for large infestations. However, here are some DIY options for managing small nests:
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Pour boiling water into the entrance hole. This will instantly kill wasps inside.
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Spray insecticide dust or aerosol directly into holes. Choose products labeled for ground wasps and hornets.
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Cover holes with soil during the day when wasps are away. Pack down tightly and check for other exits.
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Insert a shop vacuum hose 2-3 inches into the hole and suck out inhabitants. Cover hole immediately after.
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Set out traps baited with sugary liquids near nests. This will capture foraging worker wasps.
Preventing Future Ground Nests
While you can’t always prevent wasps from nesting on your property, these tips can make it less inviting:
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Keep yards free of debris piles, fallen logs, and overgrown vegetation. This denies wasps nesting sites.
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Fill in bare patches in your lawn where soil is exposed. Grass is less favored for digging.
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Routinely treat areas around your home’s perimeter with residual insecticide sprays labeled for wasps. This repels new queens looking to start colonies.
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Seal exterior cracks, holes, and openings with caulk to deny entry points. Focus on soffits, vents, and gaps around pipes or wires.
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Install window and door screens to keep wasps outside. Check for and repair any tears.
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Remove food sources like pet bowls, ripe or fallen fruit, and trash cans. Manage compost piles to reduce odors.
With vigilance and preventative measures, you can avoid having your yard overrun with nuisance wasps. But when ground nests do occur, act promptly and with caution to get rid of them. Call on the experts if you need help eradicating large or aggressive colonies safely.
How To Deter Wasps
There are several ways that homeowners can deter wasps from nesting in their yards. First, do not leave food or drinks outside. Wasps are attracted to protein in the spring and early summer. In the late summer, their taste switches to sugary foods and drinks, and they become more aggressive in their search.
Eliminate food sources in your yard by covering your trash and compost bins tightly. Pick up any fallen fruit from your trees. Ground wasps often dig their nests near fruit trees to be close to their food source, so it’s important to be cautious when walking around your yard.
Certain plants may repel wasps, including spearmint, marigold, citronella and thyme. You can plant them in your garden or in pots and put them near your outdoor seating area to keep wasps away.
If you already have a ground wasp problem in your yard, try sprinkling diatomaceous earth over the nest openings. Wasps return to their nests at night to sleep, so it’s a good time to apply it. Afterward, you can place a rock over the hole to seal it.
While some at-home methods may work, the best way to deal with a wasp problem is to call a pest control specialist. An expert will identify the species of wasp you are dealing with and know how to treat the infestation quickly and effectively.
Types of Wasps That Live in the Ground
Wasps are known for building impressive nests, but some are harder to spot than others. Several species of wasps nest and live in the ground, including digger wasps and cicada killer wasps.
Digger wasps feed on other insects and pests that harm a healthy lawn. There are many types of digger wasps, but they all typically range from one-half to two inches long and are dark in color, with dark wings and yellow markings.
The great golden digger wasp and the blue digger wasp are the most common digger wasps. The gold and amber stripes on its torso reveal the great golden digger wasp. This coloring can make it easy for homeowners to confuse them for bees, but their blue-metallic sheen can help distinguish them. Both of these species of digger wasps have similar body types with thin torsos.
Cicada killer wasps have distinctive features that make them easy to identify. These wasps are larger than most, about two inches in length. Cicada killer wasps are dark brown or black in color and have colorful yellow bands around their abdomen. In addition, they have clear wings with a slight yellow tint.
Cicada killer wasps sound scary but don’t necessarily cause harm to humans unless they feel threatened. However, they can burrow into the ground, damaging gardens, lawns and even patios.
Some ground wasps dig their own holes in the ground, while other species inhabit existing holes and build their nests inside. Each nest has its own entry point that homeowners will recognize: a cone-shaped dirt pile with a large hole in the center.
Some ground wasps live in swarms and share a nest, while other species live separately but nest right next to each other. Homeowners may see multiple identical dirt piles in their yards if that’s the case.
Ground wasps do not exclusively nest in the ground. They may also build their nests in compost piles, shrubbery, bushes and woodpiles.
How To Get Rid Of Yellow Jacket / Ground Wasp Nest With ONE STEP!
FAQ
What kind of wasps nest in the ground?
Solitary wasps and yellowjackets both build nests in the ground.
How do you get rid of underground wasp nests?
One of the easiest ways to destroy an active wasp nest is to use fly spray, widely available in many stores. The nozzle should be either pointing at or inserted into the main entrance to the nest. You can then spray the nest.
Are ground nesting wasps aggressive?
Ground wasps, also known as ground-dwelling yellow jackets or ground hornets, can be a nuisance and a safety hazard for homeowners in North Carolina. These aggressive insects can build their nests near residential areas, posing a threat to people and pets.
Do digger wasps sting humans?
Digger wasps do not pose a big threat to humans or their property. Only the females can sting. They will not sting humans unless they feel threatened. It is best to stay away from their nests but, they are not overly territorial if you do stumble upon one.