Subject: What is this huge flying bug?
Location: Southern Maine
August 3, 2014 7:45 am
They have infested our backyard, burrowing in the dirt around our pool. What are they and how can we kill them/get rid of them?
Signature: CH
Dear CH,
This looks like a Great Black Wasp, a non-aggressive, beneficial species that preys upon Katydids and digs underground burrows to use as a nursery. Other than providing a food source of paralyzed Katydids, the female Great Black Wasp does not defend her nest. We do not provide extermination advice. The Great Black Wasp is a much more attractive creature living than dead.
I live in south central Louisiana. This flying insect burrowed a hole the size of a quarter, overnight… The dirt removed from underground can fill a 10# bag of flour.. The bug appears to be solid black, and a little larger than the size of a carpenter beep. Can you identify this bug for me?
Thank you.
Susan