Cicada killers are a species of wasp that can capture cicadas and paralyze them with their venomous stings. They do not sting human beings unless provoked by humans. But if stung, it can cause swelling and a lot of pain. As a result, most people do not like the presence of cicada killers in their home or garden. Using vinegar can be a simple and convenient way to repel them from the home and garden. Vinegar is easily available at your home and can be used as an alternative to pesticides. But can vinegar kill them? Read the article to learn how vinegar affects the cicada killers and what methods are the methods to kill them.
Why is It Important to Kill Cicada Killers?
Cicada killers have a large stinger and are also venomous. They are generally harmless, but the female cicada killer wasp uses her giant stinger for protection if she feels threatened. Though the male cicada killers lack a stinger, they can still cause trouble to anything around them, including humans, vehicles, and weed-eaters. The sting can cause swelling, pain, and sometimes allergic reactions in humans.
If you've a pet at home, cicada killers can be dangerous to them. Especially if your pet catches them, they will get a painful sting. They might also experience sensitivity if they are stung in the mouth. However, these possibilities can be reduced by keeping an eye on your pet.
Cicada killer makes holes in the ground to nest in, causing a lot of damage to the yard as well. They make a series of tunnels in the ground, displacing a hill of dirt, which can eventually shake a brick patio. They can also uproot flower beds or vegetable gardens.
How Vinegar Repel Cicada Killers?
Vinegar is a natural insecticide, though it doesn't kill cicada killers, but only repels them. Take equal quantities of vinegar and water and make a solution, and spray it on the ground where cicada killers are nesting. This will irritate the cicada killers.
You can also pour a mixture of vinegar and hot water directly into the tunnel where cicada killers hide. This will flood the tunnel and make the nest muddy, forcing them to relocate. Also, the cicada killers won't make their nest around the tunnel, which will prevent their growth. Remember to wear gloves while using vinegar for protection.
Other Ways to Kill Cicada Killers
Ammonia
Mark the nests of cicada killers during the day when they move out of the nest. Later, during the night, pour two to three cups of ammonia in each of the nests that you marked. You can also dilute the ammonia with water in equal ratios. Continue the process every day if you find any new nests. The ammonia will kill all the cicada killers, but it won't kill the eggs or prevent them from returning next year.
Boric Acid
You can also pour boric acid into the holes the same way as ammonia. It will also kill eggs along with the adult wasps. Like ammonia, boric acid will also not prevent cicada killers from returning again next year.
Boiling Water
Consider pouring boiling water into the hole, as it can destroy the nest and adult wasps and eggs inside the nest. Then, cover the hole with a glass bowl to suffocate any wasp left that manages to come above the ground.
| Some Tips | Be careful while pouring the water. Make sure water doesn't spill on you, as it can cause severe burns. |
Conclusion
Using vinegar won't kill the cicada killers but only repel them. Even when using other methods, there is no certainty that they won't return next year. Also, cicada killers are not dangerous until provoked aggressively, so you can ignore their presence until they become a hassle for you. In case you still want to eliminate them, you can use different methods to get rid of them as discussed in this blog.
