Can Cicada Killer Wasps Sting?

Stinging behavior: Females are the only ones capable of stinging. They use their stingers primarily to paralyze cicadas, which they then carry to their underground nests as food for their larvae.
Male cicada killers: Males cannot sting at all. They can seem aggressive because they hover, dart, and “dive-bomb” intruders near nesting areas, but this is only territorial behavior.

Do Cicada Killer Wasps Sting?

Cicada killer wasps are highly non-aggressive, and stings from them are very rare. However, there are a few specific situations where a sting is more likely to occur. Understanding these can help you safely coexist with these large but generally harmless wasps. Here are the situations when cicada killer wasps are most likely to sting:

When directly handled or trapped – The most common cause of a sting is when someone picks up, swats at, or accidentally traps a female cicada killer against their skin or clothing. Like most stinging insects, they sting only in self-defense.
If their burrow is disturbed – Female cicada killers are protective of their nests. If you dig into, step on, or disturb their nesting tunnels—often found in loose, sandy, or well-drained soil—they may sting to defend the area.
When provoked repeatedly – Continuous aggressive actions such as swatting, spraying directly at close range, or hitting their burrows can trigger defensive behavior and increase the risk of a sting.
Accidental contact during lawn work – People sometimes get stung while mowing, edging, or gardening in areas where these wasps are nesting. Vibrations and movement can make the wasps feel threatened.
In confined spaces – While it’s rare, a cicada killer that becomes trapped inside clothing, shoes, or vehicles might sting in an attempt to escape.

Male cicada killers cannot sting at all, even though they’re the ones most likely to buzz aggressively around people. Their “attacks” are purely territorial displays and not true threats.

Cicada Killer Wasp Stings

Cicada killer wasp stings are typically mild to moderate in pain and rarely dangerous, especially compared to stings from more aggressive wasps or hornets. While these wasps look intimidating due to their large size, the reality is that their sting is less severe than you might expect. Here’s how bad cicada killer wasp stings can be:

Pain level:

The sting from a female cicada killer is painful but short-lived—often compared to a mild honey bee or paper wasp sting.
On the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, which rates insect stings from 1 to 4, the cicada killer ranks around 1.0–1.5, meaning it causes only momentary pain and mild burning, not intense or lingering discomfort.

Local reaction:

Most people experience minor swelling, redness, and itching at the sting site that subsides within a few hours to a day.
Applying ice, washing the area, and using over-the-counter hydrocortisone or antihistamines typically provides relief.

Allergic responses:

As with any sting, a small percentage of people may have allergic or anaphylactic reactions. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling of the face or throat, or rapid heartbeat require immediate medical attention.
Those with known insect sting allergies should carry epinephrine (EpiPen) and avoid close contact with stinging insects altogether.

Multiple stings:

While cicada killers have smooth stingers and are capable of stinging repeatedly, they are solitary and not colony-builders, so multiple stings are extremely uncommon. They do not swarm or attack in groups like yellowjackets or hornets.

In most cases, a cicada killer sting is unpleasant but harmless, and the physical reaction resolves quickly without complications.

What Do Cicada Killer Wasp Stings Look Like?

A cicada killer wasp sting typically looks similar to other insect stings, such as those from bees or smaller wasps, but the reaction is often milder due to the relatively low venom potency and the solitary nature of these wasps. Here is what to expect visually and symptomatically after being stung by a cicada killer:

Immediate appearance:

The sting site usually shows a small red puncture mark where the stinger entered the skin.
This area may quickly develop localized redness and slight swelling, about the size of a dime or quarter.

Within the first hour:

Mild pain or burning may occur for several minutes, sometimes followed by tenderness at the site.
The redness may expand slightly, but it generally remains localized rather than spreading widely.

Several hours after the sting:

The affected area may become slightly raised, itchy, and warm to the touch—a standard immune response to insect venom.
For most people, symptoms begin to fade within a few hours and are gone within a day or two.

For sensitive individuals:

Those with mild allergic sensitivity might experience more noticeable swelling, redness, or itching that lasts several days.
Applying ice, taking an antihistamine, or using hydrocortisone cream can help reduce irritation.

Serious reactions (rare):

Signs of a severe allergic reaction include widespread hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or facial swelling. These require immediate medical care.

**What cicada killer stings do not look like:**

They do not cause large welts, open sores, or pus-filled bumps.
They do not spread in clusters like flea or bed bug bites.
Unlike yellowjacket or fire ant stings, cicada killer stings rarely cause intense, throbbing pain or extensive swelling.

A cicada killer sting usually looks like a small, mildly irritated red spot, heals quickly, and causes minimal discomfort.

What To Do About Cicada Killer Wasp Stings

If you get stung by a cicada killer wasp, there’s no need to panic—these stings are rarely dangerous and usually resolve quickly with basic first aid. Still, proper care helps minimize pain, swelling, and the risk of infection. Here’s what to do:

Move to a safe area

Immediately step away from the area where the sting occurred. Although cicada killers are solitary and unlikely to sting again, this ensures you avoid additional contact—especially if you’re near a nesting site.

Clean the sting site

Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to remove any surface bacteria and reduce the chance of infection. Pat dry with a clean towel.

Reduce pain and swelling

Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10–15 minutes at a time.
This helps relieve pain, reduce swelling, and minimize redness.
Avoid scratching, as it can increase irritation and lead to infection.

Treat the symptoms

Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for discomfort.
Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to soothe itching and inflammation.
An oral antihistamine (like Benadryl or Claritin) can help if you experience itching or mild swelling.

Monitor for allergic reactions

Although rare, allergic reactions are possible. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:

Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
A spreading rash or hives
Rapid heartbeat

People with known allergies to insect stings should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and use it if symptoms of anaphylaxis occur.

Prevent infection

Keep the area clean and dry for the next few days. If swelling increases after 24–48 hours, or if you notice pus, warmth, or worsening pain, contact a doctor—these may indicate infection.

Avoid future stings

Cicada killer wasps are drawn to sandy, well-drained soil for nesting. Reducing these areas, watering the lawn frequently, or applying mulch or ground cover can discourage them from burrowing nearby.