Holes within the floor could possibly be signal of cicada killer wasps — however that’s not essentially a foul factor

“I’ve discovered some giant holes in between the bricks in my patio, together with some little piles of sand by the holes. I’m not seeing any ants and surprise if I ought to apply some management measures? I’ve additionally seen some giant wasps flying round this space.”

— Sonya Hopkins, Niles

Your description appears like there could also be cicada killer wasps nesting in your patio. They’re additionally nesting in my driveway at house like they did final 12 months, and so they often buzz round me as I exit my truck.

I like seeing them there. They are often thought-about a useful insect in serving to to regulate cicadas and katydids. Cicada killers are giant, about 2 inches lengthy and black to pink, with yellow banded markings on the stomach. The top and clear wings are reddish brown. Their giant dimension makes them appear very intimidating when seen within the backyard.

This insect isn’t any trigger for concern; thus, nothing to fret about in your backyard. Every time attainable, it’s best to easily depart them alone.

A male cicada killer wasp could fly as much as you to analyze as you enter his territory, however is unable to sting. The females are able to stinging, however lack the intuition to protect their nest like a honeybee. Chances are you’ll get stung if you happen to by chance step on one with naked toes or seize one together with your naked arms.

Cicada killers are solitary wasps. This wasp will get its widespread title from looking cicadas to provide its younger with a meals supply. The feminine digs a 6- to 10-inch-deep burrow that’s ½ inch extensive within the floor. You’re seeing the doorway holes and the standard pile of soil that surrounds it in your patio.

The feminine locates and stings a big insect equivalent to a cicada or katydid after which brings it again to the burrow. She locations the insect right into a chamber and lays an egg on it; generally she places two in a burrow however lays an egg on just one. She then covers the burrow, digs one other, and repeats the method. The egg hatches right into a legless larva that consumes the paralyzed insect(s).

Full-grown larvae overwinter within the burrow, pupate within the spring, and emerge as an grownup in the course of the summer time, often in July and August. It’s unlikely that there can be any influence on the soundness of the brick paving in your patio.

For extra plant recommendation, contact the Plant Info Service on the Chicago Botanic Backyard at plantinfo@chicagobotanic.org. Tim Johnson is senior director of horticulture on the Chicago Botanic Backyard.