Tarantula hawk wasps are not so desired pests for homeowners or gardener. These wasps can grow up to two inches long in size, with bodies that are black or dark blue, and wings that are blue or black.
These insects are not so social and prefer to hunt on their own. They prefer to feed on tarantulas that's why it is named after it. You may not desire to see tarantula hawk wasps surrounding in your environment. We have a solution for you in this guide to get rid of them.
What are Tarantula Hawk
Tarantula Hawks's scientific name is Pepsis which is the species of spider wasps despite their name. Their body can size up to 11 cm long and prefer to live in solitarity live rather than in a group.
Their name is after their prey which is tarantula which are larger than these insects. Though there is little risk to feeding on them these wasps do it easily with little effort. There is no chance that tarantulas can overpower these wasps.
Tarantulas always try to escape when they see these predators around them. Typically, female wasps hunt the tarantulas for their offspring whereas male gets their nutrients from the nectar. They have a sting weapon on their back that injects poison into their prey without being damaged.
How to Identify Tarantula Hawk
Identifying Tarantula hawks is important for protecting you and your surroundings. Here are a few ways to spot them:
Visual Inspection
Tarantula hawks can be identified through visual inspection. They are large blue-black wasps with bright orange wings. Their body color is metallic blue-black and around 2 inches in length. They feed on nectar from flowers and have a dependency on tarantula for reproduction.
The tarantula hawk lays her eggs on the still-living tarantula and leaves, covering the den's entrance. When the tarantula hawk eggs hatch into larvae, the tarantula becomes their first meal. If you see tarantulas roaming around your surroundings then tarantula hawk wasps may be present.
Habitat
Tarantulas are found in a variety of habitats across the world, including deserts, rainforests, grasslands, and mountainous regions. These wasps inhabit a variety of environments, typically corresponding to the habitats of their tarantula prey. These wasps are well-adapted to the extreme heat of desert environments.
They are most active during the summer months when temperatures are high. Tarantula hawks can also be found in rocky areas and scrublands, where tarantula often create burrows in the ground. The rugged terrain provides plenty of hiding spots for both the wasps and their prey.
Behavior
Despite their size, tarantula hawks have a slow and graceful flight. They often fly low to the ground, especially when searching for tarantulas. Adult tarantula hawks primarily feed on nectar from flowers.
They can often be found in blooming plants like milkweed, mesquite, or other flowering species. Female tarantula hawks are known for their behavior of hunting tarantulas. After stinging and paralyzing a tarantula, they drag it to a burrow where they lay an egg on it. The larva will feed on the still-living, paralyzed tarantula.
The body of a tarantula hawk is typically a deep, shiny blue-black or metallic black. This color covers both the head and thorax. The wings of a tarantula hawk are one of its most distinguishing features. They are usually a vivid orange, rusty-red, or amber color. This bright, contrasting color makes the wings easily visible when the wasp is in flight.
The legs of the tarantula hawk are black or dark colored, matching the body. The legs may also have a slight metallic sheen similar to the body. The claws at the tips of the legs are usually dark and sharp, designed for gripping surfaces and prey.
Body Structure
Tarantula hawks have a robust, elongated body typical of wasps. The head is relatively small compared to the body and is rounded or slightly flattened. The abdomen is sleek and elongated, and the thorax is broad and powerful, housing the muscles required for their strong flight.
Their exoskeleton is smooth and shiny, without the fuzziness seen in bees or some other wasps. Tarantula hawks have long, slender antennae that are typically black. These antennae are highly sensitive and are used to detect chemical cues from their environment, especially when searching for prey.
How to Get Rid of Tarantula Hawk
1. Remove Tarantulas
Tarantula hawks are attracted to areas where tarantulas are present because they need them to lay their eggs. Reducing tarantula populations by removing potential hiding spots like woodpiles, debris, and dense vegetation can make your yard less attractive to these wasps.
If you find tarantula burrows on your property, seal them with soil or rocks. Tarantulas seek out dark, sheltered areas to hide during the day. Remove potential hiding spots such as woodpiles, rocks, thick ground cover, and leaf litter around your property. Keep shrubs, grasses, and other plants well-trimmed, especially near the ground.
2. Peppermint
Humans might find essential oils to be calming, but not tarantula hawks. They hate the smell of peppermint and eucalyptus and will do their best to avoid it. Tarantula hawks smell and taste things with their legs, so spray this mixture everywhere you think tarantula hawks can get into your home.
Combine 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to help the oils mix with the water. Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the oil is evenly distributed in the solution.
3. Mint
Mint has a strong, aromatic scent that many insects find unpleasant. This scent can act as a natural repellent, potentially discouraging tarantula hawks from frequenting areas where mint is present.
Using mints is a natural and eco-friendly option compared to chemical insecticides, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer to avoid synthetic chemicals. Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
Purchase sticky traps designed for insects and tarantula hawks. These are often available at hardware stores or online. Sticking traps help you search and catch tarantula hawks, something that can be useful for you to see where the attacks can go.
Place sticky traps in areas where you have established wasp activity, such as corners, behind furniture, and in dark rooms. Monitor and change partners regularly as needed. Change it as per requirement to avoid messiness. Use sticky traps as part of a broader pest control strategy.
5. Reduce Flowers
Tarantula hawks feed on nectar, so reducing the number of flowering plants in your garden can make the area less attractive to them. If you want to keep your garden flowering, try to avoid plants that are particularly attractive to wasps, like milkweed and mesquite.
Maintain a clean yard by removing food scraps, fallen fruit, and other organic debris that might attract insects. Replace nectar-rich plants with species that produce less nectar. Consider using plants with less attractive flowers or foliage for insects like grasses, evergreens, and low-flowering shrubs.
6. Destroy Nest
During the day, identify the location of the nest. Tarantulas hawk wasps create burrows which appear as small holes in the ground, about 1 to 2 inches across. They often use the natural cavities in rocks and trees, and they also steal burrows from other insects or small animals.
A constant presence of tarantula hawk wasps indicates an abundant food supply. Return at night when the wasps are least active. Use a carbaryl-based insecticide powder, putting it down inside the burrow's entrance. Cover the nest up with moist soil. Alternatively, you can use gasoline.
7. Natural repellents
Some plants have strong scents that can deter wasps and other insects. Consider planting mint, eucalyptus, or citronellas around your property. These plants may help keep tarantula hawks away, although their effectiveness can vary.
Spraying a mixture of water and essential oils like peppermints, eucalyptus, or tea tree oils around areas where tarantula hawks are active can act as a natural repellent.
Due to their extremely large stingers, tarantula hawk wasps have few predators. Only roadrunners and bullfrogs will take them on. However, roadrunners tend to be combative birds.
Bullfrogs are mostly found near water habitats and rarely venture far into the dry, desert terrain where these wasps are found. Add ponds with plenty of vegetation to encourage local bullfrog populations to reside closer to your home. This plan can be effective if you live near water.
9. Chemical Control
In cases of severe infestations or persistent tarantula hawk problems, chemical control methods may be necessary. It is crucial to exercise caution when using chemical pesticides and strictly follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Use ready-to-use insecticide sprays specifically designed for wasps. Apply these to areas where tarantula hawks are seen, including corners, baseboards, and entry points. Considers consulting with professional pest control services to safely and effectively apply insecticides.
10. Cleaning and Maintenance
Regularly remove fallen leaves, branches, and other organic matter from your yard. This prevents the creation of hiding spots for pests. Keep shrubs, trees, and grass well-trimmed. This reduces the places where pests like tarantulas and their predators can hide or nest.
Regularly sweep patios, walkways, and around the foundation of your home. Vacuum indoor areas to remove any insects that might have entered. Clean up spills and crumbs immediately, especially in areas where food is prepared or consumed, to prevent attracting insects.
11. Professional Pest Control
Professional pest control experts may utilize a combination of techniques, such as targeted insecticide applications, web removal, and long-term prevention strategies to eliminate and prevent tarantula hawks.
A professional will start with a thorough inspection of your home to identify their hiding spots and entry points. They can conduct a thorough inspection, identify the sources of the infestation, and develop a tailored treatment plan to address the problem at its root.
Types of Tarantula Hawk
Tarantula hawks are a group of large, formidable wasps belonging to the family Pompilidae, known for their specific behavior of hunting tarantulas to serve as hosts for their larvae.
There are several species of tarantula hawks, each with different characteristics. Here are some of the types:
Pepsis formosa
One of the largest species of tarantula hawks, it can reach up to 5 centimeters (2 inches) in length. It has a striking blue-black body with bright orange wings.
They are found in the southwestern United States, particularly in desert areas. They are known for their powerful sting, which is considered one of the most painful of any insect.
This type of tarantula hawk is similar in size to Pepsis formosa, this species has a metallic blue body with black wings. It’s slightly smaller than P. formosa.
They are found in regions of Central and South America, extending into parts of the southwestern U.S. This tarantula hawk prefers tarantulas as its primary prey and exhibits similar hunting behaviors to other tarantula hawks.
Pepsis elegans
It is characterized by its blue-black body and iridescent blue wing. It is smaller than Pepsis grossa, typically measuring around 3 to 4 centimeters.
This species is native to Mexico and Central America, with some populations in the southern United States. This tarantula hawk is similar to other tarantula hawks, it paralyzes tarantulas and lays an egg on the spider, which serves as food for the developing larvas.
Pepsis mexicana
The features a blue-black body with orange wings, similar in appearance to Pepsis grossa, but slightly smaller. They are usually found primarily in Mexico and Central America, but also in the southwestern United States. This species is known for its aggressive hunting of tarantulas and its painful sting.
Hemipepsis ustulata
They are distinguished by its reddish-brown wings and black body. It’s generally smaller than other Pepsis species, reaching about 3 centimeters in length. This species is usually found in the southern United States, particularly in Texas and Arizona, as well as in Mexico.
Pepsis menechma
The features a blue-black body with bright orange wings. This species is medium-sized, generally around 3.5 centimeters in length.
They are found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, particularly in desert regions. Like other tarantula hawks, it paralyzes tarantulas to provide a food source for its offspring.
Pepsis mildei
This species has a metallic blue body and dark wings, with a size similar to other Pepsis species, around 3 to 4 centimeters. They are native to South America, particularly in the Andean regions. It is Known for its potent sting and predation on tarantulas.
Pepsis heros
It is one of the largest species of tarantula hawks, Pepsis heros can grow up to 6 centimeters in length. It has a metallic blue body and reddish wings.
They are usually found in South America, particularly in the Amazon rainforest. It’s known for its large size, powerful sting, and ability to paralyze large tarantulas.
Pepsis marginata
It is characterized by a blue-black body with yellowish-orange wings. It is medium-sized, around 4 centimeters.
They are found in Central and South America, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. They exhibit similar predatory behavior to other tarantula hawks, focusing on tarantulas as their primary prey.
Pepsis chrysopteris
This species has a black body with dark wings, and it is slightly smaller than some of the other Pepsis species, typically around 3 centimeters. They are found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is known for its painful sting and aggressive hunting of tarantulas.
