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The Cicada Killer Wasp looks like a deadly foe, but is only a threat to the cicada, it's main food source.	August PEST OF THE MONTH Wasps By Molly Keck

Wasps are always a problem this time of year. We have many different types of wasps that live in our area, and summertime is always primetime for wasp problems. Some of them are harmful and some are beneficial. Hopefully the following information will help you to decide the proper control method to use.

Cicada Killer wasps are very large and intimidating in appearance, and live in the ground. When cicadas are active, so are these wasps. Cicadas (chicharas or locusts) are their main food source. they find a cicada, sting and paralyze it, and drag it back to their underground nest. They rarely sting humans and are territorial, but not aggressive. If you must control them, find their nest hole. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of carbaryl (Sevin®) in and around the hole. If the nest is large it may take several applications, but wait a week between treatments.

Paper wasps are another summer pest. They build papery nests made of cellulose material around eves and porches. The nests look like upside down umbrellas and are attached by one small stalk. These wasps feed on caterpillars and can be beneficial in this way. But, many individuals are allergic to the venom in a wasp sting, therefore paper wasps can be a health risk. Use a wasp spray to treat them. Some products feature a spray that reaches a distance up to 20 to 30 feet. Look for this information on the can. Always treat wasps at dusk. This is the time when they are all at the nest and most calm.

Paper Wasp

Once you have killed all the wasps, knock down the nest, and clean the nest area with ammonia. This will prevent other wasps from forming a nest in the same spot.

True Yellowjacket

True yellowjackets and hornets make completely enclosed nests of wood fiber, unlike the open nests of paper wasps. This makes them much more difficult to control. They can also make aerial or subterranean nests. Sprinkle carbaryl or permethrin dust in and around the entrance hole of subterranean nests. Always treat at dusk. Be very careful or call a professional. Aerial nests are much harder to treat. They can be sprayed with wasp and hornet spray, but it is usually best to call a pest control professional.

For more information contact IPM Program Specialist and Entomologist, Molly Keck at 210-467-6575 or email at mekeck@ag.tamu.edu