| If you have run into a cicada killer, your first thought | | | | several nests in the ground in a particular area of the |
| was probably, "You have got to be kidding me!" You | | | | lawn. Rarely are they spread out unless, you have a |
| may have even mistaken it for a small helicopter. In | | | | severe infestation. |
| either event, I am sure that you did not stick out your | | | | If you have a Cicada Killer infestation, and you want to |
| hand and encourage it to land there. | | | | tackle itself, you are brave. But here is a good word of |
| Cicada Killers emerge in the late summer (normally) | | | | advice: Treat the nests in the late evening or early |
| and have it timed right with the emergence of Cicadas, | | | | morning when they will be less active. I do not |
| or if you prefer, locusts. The super-size wasps hunt | | | | recommend attempting to spray the killers themselves |
| them down, and paralyze them. Then, they hook-up for | | | | since you may get stung. Sprays do not seem to be |
| take off. Unless you have ever seen a Cicada Killer | | | | very effective, unless you practically drown them. |
| haul off a Cicada, it is hard to believe, seeing that | | | | However, you may want to use an insecticide dust, or |
| Cicadas are big to begin with. It is hard to imagine a | | | | powder, if you prefer. By choosing to use a dust, you |
| bug that could catch them, and fly away with it, but | | | | will catch the Killer as it comes and goes. Dusts have |
| that is exactly what happens. | | | | a longer life than the pest sprays, and there is even |
| Most folks hate the Killers for two reasons. First, they | | | | one called Delta Dust that is the only completely |
| are very territorial and can be intimidating. Secondly, | | | | waterproof dust, so it will not break down with ground |
| they make good size burrows in the yard. The | | | | moisture. As I mentioned, you want to treat when they |
| mounds they create give you an idea of just how far | | | | are less active, no matter what method you choose. It |
| down they have dug that nest. Usually, you will have | | | | is advisable to avoid the area after treatment. |