Cicada killer wasps, the largest species of wasp, are emerging earlier than usual in Oklahoma this summer due to warmer weather conditions. According to Dr. Jerry Hoback, an entomologist, the warmer conditions have allowed them to come out earlier.
What to Expect
These wasps, which typically emerge in August alongside cicadas, have been spotted sooner this year, and experts say their numbers are higher than usual. Despite their intimidating size, they are not harmful to humans or pets. Male cicada killer wasps do not have stingers, and while females do, their focus is on capturing and stinging cicadas as part of their reproductive process.
These wasps are often found in sandy soils, such as golf courses, and are less likely to appear in lawns that are grown out. They are not considered pests and do not negatively impact gardens. Experts say these wasps will disappear by early September.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
