Ground wasp invasion at Kingston home

Question: Hello!
I read that ground wasps are good for the garden.  But I have too many!   I've included here 2 photos on one small patch of grass.  I also have a much larger patch of grass with a lot more nests.  I read that I could plant mint and spray mint oil.  I would love to know what CCE advises.  Thank you!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2024, 10:28 AM EDT
response: Dear Ruth- Thanks so much for contacting us with your ground wasp question. You are quite right in thinking that many kinds of ground wasps are beneficial and can help us manage harmful insects in our gardens. That said, it does seem that you are dealing with a lot of ground wasps! I am including links to two good sources- one has information about the best practices for getting rid of/managing your ground wasp population and the other has some interesting information about ground wasps- there's always something to learn!  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/getting_rid_of_wasps_nests https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/monroe/news/wasps-beneficial-insects-and-pollinators Good luck with your gardening. Best, Rachel (master gardener volunteer)

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 09, 2024, 11:51 AM EDT
response: Ruth, Following up on our conversation a few minutes ago, the application of diatomaceous earth to ground wasps nests has frequently been found to be effective (and if you can blow it in with a bellows, all the better). Also, depending your your degree of courage, you can try using a shop vac to vacuum out the nest...! Mint does seem to repel wasps, and you could use mint oil around the holes as well as plant mint. But planting is a more long-range solution for future years. Best of luck, RichardMGV

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 12:14 PM EDT
response: Hello Rachel,   Thank you for these articles.  I believe I have Cicada Killers.  They are about 2" long.  There are many, many but they don't hang out together.  It looks like they each manage their own nest.    I've been using my push mower over their nests.  They come out and act a little threatening but they seem to let me mow.  They mostly come out later in the morning when it's sunny, so I can try to figure out a schedule to not bother them.  I even watched one up close as it dug a hole.  Very interesting!  I don't want to use insecticides.   Have you heard of mint helping to dissuade them?  Maybe I should plant mint under my hedges, or sprinkle mint leaf around the grass.  Do you have any thoughts about that?   Thank you for your help!   Ruth Katz     Ruth Katz <personal data hidden>     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, August 9, 2024 10:28 AM To: Ruth Katz <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Ground wasp invasion at Kingston home (#0150482)

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 09, 2024, 12:49 PM EDT
response: Oh, thank you!  Maybe I'll use the diat.... earth only on the nests closest to the house and where I have to work.    So far we seem to get along okay – I don't want to get them mad.   Thanks!     Ruth Katz <personal data hidden>     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Friday, August 9, 2024 11:51 AM To: Ruth Katz <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Ground wasp invasion at Kingston home (#0150482)