Ground Nesting Wasp Control
Don’t let wasps that burrow in the ground take over your space. Schedule a service with Plunkett’s!
What are Ground Nesting Wasps?
The common name comes from the fact that these wasps usually nest in the ground, especially in sandy soil. Not all wasps live the same way, though. Social wasps, like yellow jackets, live in colonies with a queen and workers, building large underground nests that can house hundreds of insects and defending them aggressively if disturbed. Solitary wasps work alone. Each female digs and provisions her own burrow, and while they can become a nuisance when several nest near a structure, they rarely bother people unless physically handled.
If you're dealing with yellow jackets or another social species nesting in your yard, visit our yellow jackets page for species-specific guidance.
The species covered on this page are solitary ground nesters, found throughout the United States:
Cicada Killers
Measure 1 to 1 1/2 inch long, the females being larger than the males. The wasps are robust with blonde hairs on the thorax, paired light yellow patterns on the mostly black abdomen and reddish legs.
Digger Wasp
Measure 1 to 1 1/2 inch long and have a short but distinct threadlike waist. Females and males are similar in size.
The Great Golden Digger Wasp
Measures about 1 inch long, has blonde hairs on the thorax and a bi-colored abdomen with red on the front half and black on the rear half.
The Katydid Wasp
About 1 inch long, and nearly all black except for blonde hairs on the thorax and face and some red and yellow on the legs.
The Great Black Wasp
Measures about 1 1/2 inches long, is completely black with a bluish sheen. This larger wasp favors nesting cavities in storm sewer basins and window wells.
Bicyrtes Sand Wasps
Range from 2/3 to 1 inch long, with the females being larger than the males. These wasps are mostly black, with paired pale-yellow wedge patterns on four to five abdominal segments and yellow legs; their eyes have a greenish luster. Burrowing occurs mainly in plain sand.
Ground Nesting Wasp Control & Prevention
Ground nesting wasps are beneficial insects that help control other pest populations, so treatment should be avoided when possible. Areas being used by solitary wasps for nesting may not need treatment if humans rarely access them.
If control is necessary, activity sites should be roped off and avoided until a Plunkett's technician can treat the access holes in the soil or structural material that's infested with an appropriately labeled residual insecticide. Additional treatments are sometimes needed, especially if burrows remain intact or insecticide is diluted by frequent irrigation or rain.
Where practical, a weighted tarpaulin covering placed over a relatively small nesting zone (e.g., a sandbox or playground) and kept in place for at least two weeks will discourage further nesting for the rest of the season.
Does Plunkett’s Offer Pest Control in My Area?
Plunkett's provides ground nesting wasp control across the Midwest and beyond. Find your location below to connect with your local Plunkett's team.
Ground Wasp Nest Removal & Infestation Prevention
Our technicians are ready to help rid your space of unwanted pests. Call 866-906-1780 or fill out the form to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a ground wasp and a ground hornet?
“Ground hornet” is really just a common nickname people use for two very different insects: yellowjackets and cicada killers. Yellowjackets are the aggressive, repeat-stinging species that build large underground colonies, while cicada killers are much bigger but rarely bother people. For a closer look at how these species compare, see our guide on the difference between wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets.
Are ground-nesting wasps dangerous?
It depends on the species. Yellowjackets can sting repeatedly and will defend a nest aggressively if disturbed, which makes them the bigger concern around yards and play areas. Cicada killers, on the other hand, look intimidating but are solitary and rarely sting unless handled directly. A Plunkett’s technician can identify which one you have and recommend next steps.
What does a ground wasp nest look like?
Ground wasp nests typically show up as small holes or mounds of loose dirt in sandy soil, lawns, or along driveways and walkways. Yellowjacket entrances tend to have heavy insect traffic and a well-worn look, while cicada killer burrows often show a distinctive U-shaped pile of excavated soil beside the hole.
Do ground-nesting wasps come back to the same spot every year?
Some species do return to favorable nesting areas, especially spots with loose, well-drained soil. Others move on once conditions change. If you’ve dealt with ground wasps in the same part of your yard more than once, it’s worth having a technician look at what’s making that area attractive so we can help prevent a repeat.
When are ground wasps most active?
Ground-nesting wasps are typically most active from late spring through late summer, when nests are being built out and foraging is at its peak. Activity tapers off in fall as colonies die back for the season, though cicada killers specifically are most visible in mid-to-late summer while hunting cicadas.
Is it okay to fill in a ground wasp hole myself?
We don’t recommend it. Disturbing an active nest, especially a yellowjacket colony, can trigger an aggressive swarm response before you even realize how many wasps are underground. It’s best to have the entrance treated by a technician first and confirm the nest is inactive before doing any yard work in that area. If you do get stung in the process, here’s what to do for a wasp sting.
