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Wasps
(Steel Blue Cricket Hunters)

Wasps
(Steel Blue Cricket Hunters)

What are Steel Blue Cricket Hunters?

Steel blue cricket hunters are a kind of digger wasp. Steel blue cricket hunters are large wasps that build their nests in the soil. They get their name from their ability to hunt and capture large crickets that they feed to their young. Despite their image, Steel Blue Cricket Hunters are beneficial pollinators that protect plants from harmful cutworms.

What do Steel blue cricket hunters look like?

Steel blue cricket hunters are about 1.5” long. Their bodies are dark blue, metallic, and smooth. 

Are Steel Blue Cricket Hunters dangerous?

Steel blue cricket hunters are virtually harmless; the males don’t even have stingers. They will often hover and put on a good show if you come close to their nest, but rarely sting. If you try to handle them, or make them feel threatened, the females will sting. We often advise that you do your best to avoid their nesting site while they’re visiting, but know that they aren’t particularly territorial; once their one offspring is born, they will leave. It is best practice to have a professional pest control company like Debug come out and identify what kind of wasp is in your yard. 

Where did the steel blue cricket hunters come from?

Steel blue cricket hunters are attracted to loose sandy soil, as it is easiest to dig. Removing these sandy spots through soil remediation and landscaping approaches is the best way to avoid getting steel blue cricket hunters.

How do I get rid of Steel Blue Cricket Hunters?

Steel blue cricket hunters are attracted to loose sandy soil. The best way to stop having steel blue cricket hunters visit, is to remediate the soil and make it healthy and plant grass or some other plant that provides ground cover. If you have concerns about a nest, call Debug and we’ll come out and help you identify the wasp and help you remove the nest, if needed.

Can I do anything to prevent steel blue cricket hunters?

To keep steel blue cricket hunters out: 

  • Remediate your soil by adding nutrients,
  • Add plants like grass and ground cover plants to the soil after they have left. Steel Blue Cricket Hunters avoid soil with plants. 

Debug can identify and help get rid of pests from your home with our pest control and removal services.