lincoln park zoo [Member] in response to: Solitary Wasps Making a Home at Nature Boardwalk

lincoln park zoo [Member] — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:01:32 +0000

Sharon, Mason responds:

"The wasp you are talking about is the eastern cicada killer wasp, which has been previously discussed in the blog. This particular species most commonly digs burrows in disturbed areas (lawns with short grass would fall into that category). I can't say if a climate change or overabundance of cicadas has increased the amount of this wasp species. However, suitable habitat for this particular species has increased greatly over the past 200 years in the United States due to anthropogenic change, which could be a reason why they are so abundant.

I can't give any tips as to how to deal with these wasps, but searching the internet can yield a variety of solutions if you do not want them in your lawn. I can't attest to the success or safety of any method. Time is also on your side, as this species is very short lived (lasting only about two months). However, if you don't mind their presence they are truly a sight to behold. Especially if you see a female bringing a cicada back to her burrow!"

Sharon L Gorzkiewicz [Visitor] in response to: Solitary Wasps Making a Home at Nature Boardwalk

Sharon L Gorzkiewicz [Visitor] — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 22:34:14 +0000

My husband and I were at the zoo about a month ago, and we did notice the wasps in tremendous amounts!! They are really quite interesting and they did not seem to mind us watching them (luckily). In our neighborhood we seem to be seeing more and more lawns being infested with a larger wasp and it captures cicadas and drags them down into its burrow. Although I have read that they are harmless to humans, people are really freaking out if they invade their lawn. They are rather scary looking because they measure up to 2-3 inches. My understanding of this wasp is that the female uses the cicada body to lay the larvae in, using it for food, and the male wasps fly about the outside of the burrow to protect it. My only concern is what people are putting down on their lawns to try to get rid of the wasps. One of my neighbors covered their lawn with plastic all last summer, trying to smother them. Then they turned the lawn over in spring with a tiller, and replanted the lawn with seed. All this was wasted effort. The wasps came back this summer, and the neighbors are really upset. Is there some kind of climate change or an over abundance of cicadas that these wasps are invading our city on the northwest side? Thank you for any reply!!

Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo - Latest Comments on Solitary Wasps Making a Home at Nature Boardwalk

lincoln park zoo [Member] in response to: Solitary Wasps Making a Home at Nature Boardwalk

Sharon L Gorzkiewicz [Visitor] in response to: Solitary Wasps Making a Home at Nature Boardwalk