Great Black Digger Wasps
Large, mostly black solitary wasps that dig burrows in soil.
- Group: Digger wasps (Sphex)
- Size: Up to about 30 mm
- Nest: Burrow in loose soil
Request Wasp Removal
Tell us about the wasp problem and where the nest is - we'll get back to you fast.
About Great Black Digger Wasps
The wasps sometimes called great black wasps are big, mostly black digger wasps. Each female works alone, digging a burrow in loose or sandy soil where she stocks a chamber with paralysed katydids or crickets to feed her young. They can look intimidating because of their size, but they are solitary and not defensive of a group nest.
What Great Black Digger Wasps Look Like
Look for a large, glossy black or dark body, a long thin waist and dark or smoky wings. Some species have rusty or golden hairs on the body.
Nests and Life Cycle
The female digs a burrow in soil, often near where she has hunted, and provisions it before sealing the entrance. Because each wasp nests on her own, there is no large colony to guard, although several wasps may dig in the same patch of soil.
Is It a Problem at Your Property?
Digger wasps are rarely a concern. They feed at flowers and take other invertebrates from the garden. If you are seeing many large wasps digging in a spot where people walk or play, or you are unsure what is nesting there, contact us and we will identify it.
If wasps are nesting where they shouldn't be, we can help with wasp control services - contact us for an inspection and a clear written quote.
More Wasp Types
Great Black Digger Wasps FAQs
Do digger wasps sting?
They can sting if handled or trapped, but they are not aggressive and are not defending a colony. Leave them alone and they generally ignore people.
What should I do if I find a wasp nest?
Keep people and pets away, don't block the entrance and don't knock or spray the nest. Contact us and we will identify the wasp and arrange an inspection.
Can you identify the wasp for me?
Yes. Tell us what you can see - size, colour, nest shape and where it is - and we will identify it when we inspect.
Found a Wasp Nest? Call Us Now
Please don't disturb an active nest. Call us or send the quote form and we will arrange nest removal for your home or business.