Size varies from 1/8-7/8”

Color varies: red, orange, yellow, and white are all seen

Fuzzy bodies

Name is misleading, they are really solitary ground wasps

Found on the ground in bare or sandy areas, which other ground nesting bees and wasps use for nests

They may enter a structure to feed

Found through much of the United States

Females may sting if handled or stepped on

Stings may be life threatening to sensitive individuals

Know what they look like and avoid them

Carefully remove them from an area if necessary

There are no products available for their treatment, but treating for other ground nesting wasps and bees should be enough of a deterrent for velvet ants