Photo Album: Ground Zero for Cicada Killers in Somerset, NJ
Across the Lawn
When we began inspecting, we found cicada killers and their burrows throughout the sidewalk in the front yard.
Why They're Called Cicada Killers
Cicada killers are about 2 inches in size, and get their name from killing cicadas in order to reproduce their larvae. The adult female will paralyze the cicada with her stinger, carry the cicada back to their burrow, and lay her eggs under the left or right second leg of the cicada. The eggs then hatch and the larvae begin to eat the cicada while it is paralyzed.
Not a Threat to Humans
They may look deadly and dangerous, but in reality, they aren't aggressive and rarely sting unless they are grasped roughly, stepped upon with bare feet, or caught in clothing.
Still Cause Damage
Although non-harmful to humans, they can still damaged lawns and flower beds. Also they can dig in areas near walkways which can make some structures unstable.
Cicada Killers Exterminated
We injected a residual dusting application directly into each burrow. This product rapidly eliminates the adult cicada killers, their eggs, and the larvae inside the chamber.