That’s a great question! Although you may not be familiar with this term, you’ve certainly heard of many species found in this category. They got the name “ground emerging” because they spend a lot of time underground, coming to the surface when they need to hunt, feed, or interact with other wasps. 

Most of these species are solitary, meaning they don’t live in large groups (although a few may form small colonies).

Ground emerging wasps are commonly found in places like yards, fields, and gardens. They prefer slightly compressed soil and reduced vegetation.

Wasps in this category dig tunnels to build nests, lay eggs, and raise offspring. They generally produce two generations a year, once during summer and another in autumn before beginning hibernation.

They come above ground as temperatures rise in late spring. This is a prime time to spot them. During this period, they can look rather clumsy, hanging precariously to surrounding vegetation. You may be a bit startled to see them because they seem to appear from nowhere.

Common Ground Emerging Wasp Species

Cicada Killer Wasp
In terms of physical size, cicada killers are one of the largest species. They prey on cicadas, catching and paralyzing them to feed their larvae. Although they can look intimidating, cicada killers are not aggressive toward humans unless provoked.

Habitat – These wasps are found throughout much of the United States, especially in the southern and central parts. They are also common in parts of the Midwest and Northeast during the summer months. They look for open, sunny areas such as lawns, gardens, and fields where cicadas are abundant.

Yellowjackets
You’re probably familiar with paper yellowjacket nests under eaves, on fences, or on walls. However, some yellowjackets nest in the ground. Regardless of location, these wasps are real jerks, known for their unprovoked aggressive behavior. Unlike many ground emerging wasps, they do establish colonies, and can become dangerous, especially in late summer when their numbers grow larger.

Habitat – Yellowjackets are widespread across the U.S., with species found from the East Coast to the West Coast. They are most common in temperate climates, especially in the North. You’ll find them almost everywhere: urban, suburban, and rural areas, particularly near food sources and places where people gather.

Digger Wasps
Members of this species burrow into sandy or loose soil to create their nests. They prey on caterpillars and other insects to feed their larvae. Digger wasps are typically not aggressive toward humans and are effective pest control.

Habitat – Digger wasps can be found throughout the United States. Their range extends from the East Coast to the West Coast, with specific species adapting to various climates from deserts to forests. They love sandy soil in fields, gardens, and at the beach.

Great Black Wasp
This large, black wasp is known for its solitary nature. It hunts and paralyzes insects like grasshoppers and crickets, then buries their immobilized prey alongside its eggs. It is not dangerous to humans unless provoked.

Habitat – This species lives in Southeastern states but can also be found in the central and southern Midwest. Gardens, fields, and areas with tall grasses and wildflowers are their favorite environments.

Mud Daubers
A common sight in our area, mud daubers create their nests out of…you guessed it…mud! While some dig their nests in the ground, others build them in sheltered places like attics or under eaves. These wasps are not aggressive, and their sting is relatively mild.

Habitat – Mud daubers are found throughout the U.S., especially in warmer areas. They are abundant in the South but also exist in the Midwest and West. Logically, they prefer muddy environments like riverbanks and wetlands and often construct nests around structures like barns and garages.

Spider Wasp
These wasps hunt spiders, including tarantulas, and drag them back to their nests to feed their larvae. While their sting can be painful, they are not aggressive unless threatened.

Habitat – Spider wasps are found across the United States but are most commonly seen in the Southwest. However, their range also includes the East Coast and parts of the Midwest. They’re most commonly found in areas with an abundance of spiders, including grasslands, wooded areas, and deserts.

Typical Food Preferences and Reproductive Habits

A primary reason so many species make their homes in gardens, fields, and lawns is because they feed on a variety of insects, such as cicadas, crickets, grasshoppers, and spiders. A few species also gather nectar from flowers.

To reproduce, female wasps paralyze their prey and place it in a burrow or nest with their eggs. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the stunned victims. Once the larvae grow, they emerge as adult wasps, ready to continue the cycle.

Do these Wasps pose a Danger to People?

In most cases, the answer is “no.” Most ground emerging wasps are not aggressive unless they feel threatened. While their stings can be painful, most species are not deadly. (An exception is If you’re allergic to insect stings!) We can’t stress enough that yellowjackets tend to be aggressive, especially if they feel their nests are compromised. Use extreme care when they’re around, especially when you’re near a nest.

Economic Impact

Ground emerging wasps can have both positive and negative economic impacts. On the plus side, they help control pest populations, particularly agricultural pests like caterpillars and crickets. This natural pest control can reduce your need for chemical pesticides. On the down side, large nests of aggressive wasps (we’re looking at you, yellowjackets!) can present a danger to people in parks and at home. Wasps can also damage vegetation if their population grows too large.

The Bottom Line…

Ground emerging wasps are fascinating creatures that play an important role in our environment. They can be intimidating but are generally not dangerous to humans. Should you find these creatures have come to dominate your home or business you should take action! Contact us at (405) 679-8729 to discuss your pest control needs. We’re here to help!