About Jule-Lynne Expertise Insect identification and control is my area of expertise.
Experience I have a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Entomology and pest management. I have been collecting insects for 23 years. I work for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.
Organizations National Association of County Agricultural Agents
International Scoiety of Arboriculture
National Association of Extension 4-H Agents
Epsilon Sigma Phi
Publications International Society of Arboriculture monthly trade magazine (Plant Health Care)
Gardening State by State
Rockdale Citizen (newspaper) Indoors Outdoors weekly column
Education/Credentials BS State University of New York College of Environemtnal Science and Forestry
MPPPM University of Georgia
Awards and Honors Distinguished Service Award in two professional associations
Question QUESTION: Is there any type of trap that will eliminate sand hornets. Most of the nests are in areas that I can't reach and I need to rid my yard of them.
ANSWER: Hi Jim, I want to make sure we are talking about the same insect. The sand hornet I know is also called the Eurpoean Hornet. It is the only true hornet in the US. European hornets are large, up to 1-1/4 inches long with the head and thorax (middle part) red-brown. The abdomen (rear part) is black with yellow markings. Sometimes they are confused with the baldfaced hornet, which has a black head, thorax and abdomen with white markings.
European hornets normally are a woodland species which builds its nests in hollow trees. Sometimes, nests are found in attics, hollow walls, bird houses, barns, and abandoned bee hives in unprotected places. Nests are covered with a thick, brown envelope (paper-like) composed of coarse, decayed wood fibers which are quite fragile.
During the summer, these hornets can fly at night and are often attracted to light. They are the only ones to do this.
Workers girdle twigs and branches of numerous trees and shrubs including lilac, birch, ash, horse chestnut, dogwood, syringa, dahlia, rhododendron and boxwood. These plants are sometime killed. Much of girdling is done for sap collection, not fiber.
Are they causing some damage? I'm just wondering because if they are where you can't reach them, they shouldn't be bothering you. that's why I want to make sure we are talking about the same insect. also, there wouldn't be more than one nest of these in an area and you mention 'nests'. Let me know. Jule
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QUESTION: The one I'm having trouble with is the that nests in the ground. I've heard them referred to as Sand Hornets, Ground Hornets and Cicada killers. They only come around when the Cicadas hatch. I've heard they are harmless to humans but I don't feel like chancing it.
Answer Okay, Cicada Killer I know! they are the large black ones with yellow spots on their abdomen. And no, they don't bother people. You would literally have to grab one with your hand to get stung. I have layed down next to the hole to get a picture of them with a cicada. They could care less that I was there. Any insecticde that works on bees will kill them - sevin dust, etc. But, they aren't hurting anything and you'd have to dust each individual hole - which is almost impossible. They only last a few weeks and then are gone until next year. they just seem intimidating because they are so large! Whatever you decide to do - good luck with it. Let me know if you ahve any other questions. Jule
