Cicada killer in Aberdeen, NJ

A homeowner from Aberdeen, NJ called Cowleys because while doing some gardening near her sidewalk, she came across a large, wasp with black and yellow stripes. This wasp was hovering close to the ground. This wasp was a cicada killer, a solitary wasp that burrows into the soil, preferably along the edges of driveways and sidewalk areas. These large, menacing wasps are not aggressive. The female does have a stinger yet she will only use it to paralyze its prey, such as a locust . Once it subdues its prey, it will it bring it back and put it inside its burrow. A cicada wasp burrow can be up to 24 inches long.  

The female will then lays an egg on the paralyzed locust so it can feed on once it hatches. Treating the burrows with a residual insecticide dust will eliminate the hatchlings and returning adults.