Cicada Killer Wasp
An Asian giant hornet landed on my back deck. Caught it, put it a jar. Has anyone seen one in Hackettstown or surrounding area? I googled them. 10 of these hornets can kill 30,000 hunny bees and take their nest for their hunny. I was wondering if the town ofHackettstown needs to know they are in our area?
Yes, they are definitely around. Cicaida Killer Wasps look very similar. Both are very territorial and The Asian Giant will definitely sting you too. Post a pic!
You could also bring it to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Belvidere - they may help you positively ID it or go to whatsthatbug.com
I'm going to guess it's a cicada killer too...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphecius_speciosus
Thanks. I've never seen one these. I've lived in hackettstown for 48 years. It is a Cicaida killer. Good to know.
I am confused are we supposed to kill the cicada killer wasp or let it alone to kill cicaidas?
It's got a job to do, I'd say let it be to do it. Everything needs a predator to keep from getting out of check.
Cicada killers are a native species and are relatively harmless. There is no reason to kill them.
Cicada killers are solitary wasps so they are not aggressive, no nest to protect. They are huge and scary looking but I have never known anyone who has been stung by one. They lay their eggs in the dirt or sand so they do not damage anything. I would let them be, they are harmless.
We had about 15 or so burrows appear every year since 2006, one year after re landscaping the front of our house. Let's say a good forearm with a tennis racquet was the best way to allow us to get to the front door. The last couple years, especially following the huge cicaida spawn of 2013, have been very quiet.
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