StanMac wrote:
Looks like a Sphecius speciosus or cicada killer wasp. They nest in burrows they dig in the ground. I had a yard full of them when I lived in Texas. If you see a mound of freshly dug earth a couple of inches high at the entrance of a small hole in the ground, it’s probably this guy’s doing.
Stan
Stan, Yes, I have the same thing in just our flower garden. They leave the vegetable garden alone, don't know why??? And I agree, they are hard to kill with Wasp or Hornet Spray. At least when sprayed they fall, then fly away, perhaps to die somewhere else, don't know as I have never followed one …
However, another Gardner told me to get Ammonia, when they go down in the hole to dig or what ever, pour about 1 to 1 1/2 ounces in the hole. Sometimes they stay and die, sometimes again, they back out and fly away unless I smack them down. Then I poke a broom stick end into the hole to fill it and be certain the monster is dead!!
Drawback, the Ammonia is harming the flower plants if it is very close to their hole....Not good, makes my Wife of almost 62 years angry!! Ain't Momma happy, ain't no one happy!!!
So, I watch and wait and smack the broom stick in the holes... Like I have nothing else to do with my time!!!
I've attached a photo of a hole that apparently was dug yesterday so others cad see and Identify the Wasp homes!. Here you can see the hold and the fairly fresh diggings scooped to the back of the hole.
I've not seen a cicada drug into the hole, but I have seen several katydid's brought into the holes. Where the wasp will lay its egg on the bug and then fly away, leaving the hole open for the young to feed and escape!
But I fool them!!! They never get out, cause they are DRT - "dead right there"!
Dave
aka, SqBear