As a homeowner, it’s common to spot all sorts of insects and critters in your backyard. One type of insect that can be particularly concerning is the spider wasp. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about identifying spider wasps in Oklahoma and how to manage them safely.
For non-aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For a nest up high in an eave, soffit, or tree, this Gotcha pole adapter clamps onto the can so you can spray from the end of an extension pole and treat the nest from 10+ feet away instead of standing right under it. And for anything aggressive I wear this ridiculous-looking upper torso beekeeping suit and keep my distance. It seems silly, but trust me, I learned the hard way.
Spider wasps are a type of solitary wasp that hunts spiders as food for their larvae. They’re typically around 1-2 inches long and have a slender, elongated body with black and orange coloring. While they may look intimidating, spider wasps are not usually aggressive towards humans unless provoked or threatened.
There are several species of spider wasps that can be found in Oklahoma, but one of the most common is the Tarantula Hawk Wasp (Pepsis spp.). These wasps can be identified by their shiny black bodies and bright orange wings.
Another species of spider wasp commonly found in Oklahoma is the Great Golden Digger Wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus). These wasps have a distinctive metallic gold color on their head and thorax, with black and yellow stripes on their abdomen.
If you come across spider wasps in your backyard, it’s important to remember that they play an important role in controlling the spider population. However, if their presence becomes too much of a nuisance, there are steps you can take to manage them safely.
Firstly, avoid provoking or disturbing spider wasps unnecessarily. If you do need to remove a nest or individual wasp, do so at night when they are less active and use protective clothing and equipment such as gloves and a face mask.
To prevent spider wasps from nesting in your backyard, try to eliminate potential nesting sites such as piles of debris or unused equipment. Keeping your lawn trimmed and free of clutter can also help deter spider wasps from nesting in your yard.
While spider wasps may seem intimidating, they’re typically not a threat to humans and play an important role in controlling the spider population. By identifying these wasps and learning how to manage them safely, homeowners in Oklahoma can coexist with these fascinating insects in their backyard.
For a complete guide to cicada killer wasps, see our Cicada Killer Wasps: Understanding These Backyard Giants.
Related guides in this series: