3/4-Inch Angled Holes in Lawn: Cicada Killer Wasps

Connecticut homeowner finds 3/4-inch diameter holes at lawn/sidewalk edge, angled, with cups of excavated soil. Reappears after cleaning. Third year, now three holes.

Identification: Eastern Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus)

Large (1.5 inch), striking wasps. Females dig burrows in well-drained soil (lawns, sand, near sidewalks), provision with paralyzed cicadas, lay eggs. Males patrol territory but can't sting.

Are They Dangerous?

No. Females sting only if handled roughly. Males are bluffers. They're beneficial—control cicadas.

Management

• Tolerate if possible. They're temporary (6-8 weeks summer).
• Deter nesting: Keep soil moist, overseed thin lawn areas, add mulch/ground cover.
• If needed: Dust burrow entrance with carbaryl at night (when wasps inside).

They don't damage structures. The soil piles are just excavation spoil.