Cicada Killer Wasps

I was just reading your article and the treatment suggestions and have a question.  Last summer the cicada killer wasps moved into my yard and dug several nests.  I didn't treat for them at that time because I didn't know how. After reading your cicada killer wasp article, I'm now ready to get them. My question is, do I need to wait until they hatch and appear again this year to treat with pesticides or can I do it before then?  It would be nice to be able to kill the larvae before hand.  Last September I put my house up for sale and moved 300 miles away.  I would hate for potential buyers to be scared off by these giant insects. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I wish there was a product that you could apply which would get them all now. If there was, I'd be selling it. Unfortunately, the pupae lying underground are pretty much safe and secure till they hatch. There are ways you could kill them but nothing that's practical or chemical in nature so for now, you just have to wait them out. But there are some things you can do to minimize their activity and maybe keep them away by treating now.

First, apply some Deltaguard Granules as soon as spring starts. This will help repel and kill some that wander onto the property. If you apply this once a month starting in April, you should have a barrier in place to ward them off for the key months of May, June and July assuming you apply them once a month. I'm thinking 3 treatments will do the job.

Second, if you can actually be around when they start getting active, you could put off treating with the granules but instead opt to get them directly with the Cypermethrin discussed in our cicada killer article. This direct approach is fast and effective since you're treating the nests directly. But you mentioned you're now 300 miles away so I don't know if this will be an option.

Third, applying the granules in April and then liquid spraying should they get active will be the best approach overall if possible. Maybe you have someone close to the property you know that can either do an application or at least alert you to when they become active? I know these wasps can really scare people and they are the last thing you need getting in the way of selling your house! Good luck!